Data is the foundation of the modern newsroom

(Chinhphu.vn) - Data is not only a measurement tool, but is becoming a "strategic asset" shaping the way modern newsrooms operate.

However, to turn data into real value, journalism needs an overall strategy, an ethical ecosystem and the right digital skills.

Discussion session "Data is the root of modern newsroom" - Photo: VGP/Van Hien

This is the core issue that experts enthusiastically discussed with the topic "Data is the root of modern newsrooms" within the framework of the National Press Forum, on the afternoon of June 20.

Sharing experience from one of the leading newsrooms in data journalism, Ms. Nguyen Thu Huong, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of VnExpress Newspaper, affirmed: "Data is the foundation for coordinating production, developing loyal readers and increasing revenue."

At VnExpress, data is classified into 5 groups: Readers, behavior, articles, advertising and feedback. The 3 core systems include: Article Data Management System (VA), Readers (ADP) and Advertising (SIS), allowing the editorial office to operate almost the entire editorial process..., from selecting topics to personalizing the display interface, content, and advertising for each reader. However, according to Ms. Huong, data is only truly valuable when linked to clear goals.

"Otherwise, data can become trash, not gold. Data should not be used to make decisions for humans, but rather be a tool to support the right decisions," Ms. Huong emphasized.

From the perspective of technology businesses, technology expert Ngo Manh Ha warned that newsrooms still lack internal data codes of conduct, especially for readers' personal data. Mr. Ha suggested that press agencies should issue their own data protection policies, applying international standards such as ISO/IEC 27701, GDPR or the Vietnamese Personal Data Protection Law.

Some recommended technical measures include: Encryption, access authorization, separation of identifying and analyzing data, and anonymization before sharing. At the same time, it is necessary to train reporters and technicians to understand privacy and digital ethics.

From the perspective of editorial management, journalist Le Xuan Trung, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Tuoi Tre Newspaper, said: "To keep readers loyal, we must first understand who they are." In the discussion session "Personalizing content to keep readers loyal", Mr. Trung proposed a 3-step process, which is to survey readers through a sociological questionnaire, classify them according to characteristics and behaviors, then design "content care" programs such as suggesting articles based on interests, periodic newsletters, and inviting them to join the community of members.

"Turning anonymous readers into famous readers, thereby becoming attached to journalistic products, is a long-term strategy, not simply a technical operation," Mr. Trung emphasized.

As reader behavior changes rapidly and the newspaper business model fluctuates constantly, data is the valuable "raw material" for making the right decisions. But to turn data into a competitive advantage, newsrooms need more than just a computer system: vision, strategy, ethics, and people.

Van Hien

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/du-lieu-la-nen-tang-cua-toa-soan-hien-dai-102250620151149438.htm