Open data journalism: A narrative synthesis of how, when, and why data journalists use open data sources

Abstract

In this exploratory descriptive review, we synthesize the limited body of literature that has investigated whether, how, and why data journalists engage with open data. Fuelled by the open science movement, research and government data are increasingly shared online. While data journalists are ideally positioned to turn these datasets into compelling, accessible, and socially relevant stories, little is known about their use of these information sources and how this might affect their audiences. Through a critical reading of the literature, we provide an overview of key findings and gaps, as well as directions for future research. Given the rise of open data during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role data journalists have played in reporting on the evolving crisis, we also explore differences in literature published before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that theoretically grounded, mixed methods research that explicitly examines data journalists’ use of open data is sorely needed, especially research that attends to the varied forms and practices that can emerge in different journalistic cultures, media market structures, and political contexts. Such research could enable scholars to better support data journalists and their audiences in taking advantage of open data.