How to Use Data Journalism to Tell Powerful Stories: Patrick Mphephu

In an era driven by information, the ability to interpret and present data in a meaningful way has become one of the most powerful tools in modern journalism. Data journalism — the practice of using data to uncover, explain, and visualize stories — is transforming the way journalists investigate and communicate with the public. Whether reporting on social issues, politics, climate change, or health, journalists can harness data to add depth, credibility, and context to their narratives.

Veteran journalist Patrick Mphephu emphasizes that “data doesn’t just add facts — it brings stories to life with accuracy and impact.” Here’s a look at how data journalism can be used effectively to craft compelling stories that resonate with audiences.

Understanding the Essence of Data Journalism

At its core, data journalism combines traditional reporting skills with data analysis and visualization techniques. It involves gathering data from reliable sources, cleaning and analyzing it, and presenting it in a clear, engaging format — often using charts, maps, infographics, or interactive elements. This method enables journalists to go beyond anecdotal evidence and base their reporting on concrete facts.

Data journalism is not just for tech-savvy reporters. As Patrick Mphephu notes, “Any journalist can learn to use data tools to uncover truths that might otherwise go unnoticed.” This democratization of information empowers journalists at all levels to produce in-depth, evidence-based stories.

Finding and Collecting the Right Data

The first step in data journalism is finding quality data. Governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and international bodies regularly release datasets that are free to access. Examples include census data, crime statistics, health records, economic indicators, and environmental reports.

Journalists must ensure the data is credible, relevant, and up to date. Verifying the source and methodology is critical to avoid spreading misinformation. Tools like Google Dataset Search, Kaggle, Data.gov, and local open-data portals are valuable starting points.

Patrick Mphephu advises journalists to “start with a question — what are you trying to find out or prove? Then work backward to locate the data that will help you tell that story.”

Cleaning and Analyzing the Data

Raw data is often messy. It may include missing values, inconsistencies, or irrelevant entries. Before analysis, journalists must clean the data using tools like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, OpenRefine, or Python-based scripts.

Once the data is clean, the next step is analysis. This involves identifying trends, correlations, outliers, or anomalies that reveal something newsworthy. A simple spreadsheet can work for small datasets, while larger ones may require more advanced tools like R, SQL, or Python.

The goal is to uncover a narrative hidden within the numbers — whether it’s a rise in poverty rates, a pattern in election results, or a gap in education access across regions.

Telling the Story Visually

Numbers can be overwhelming or abstract for many readers. This is where data visualization plays a crucial role. By converting data into visual formats — such as bar graphs, pie charts, timelines, heat maps, and dashboards — journalists can make complex information accessible and compelling.

Effective visual storytelling doesn’t just decorate a story; it enhances understanding and emotional impact. For instance, a simple map showing water scarcity across districts can immediately communicate urgency more powerfully than a table of figures.

There are many free and paid tools that journalists can use for visualization, including Datawrapper, Tableau, Flourish, and Infogram. These tools allow reporters to create interactive and user-friendly graphics that engage audiences.

Patrick Mphephu encourages aspiring data journalists to “keep visuals simple and intuitive — clarity should always come before complexity.”

Humanizing the Data

While data provides the foundation, the heart of every story is its human element. Great data journalism connects numbers with the people they affect. This means pairing statistics with real-life interviews, anecdotes, and case studies that add emotional depth.

For example, a report on rising unemployment rates can be enriched with quotes from individuals who lost their jobs and are struggling to find new ones. This combination of macro and micro perspectives turns data into storytelling that is both informative and empathetic.

As Patrick Mphephu puts it, “A graph can show the scale of a problem, but a voice brings it to life.”

Examples of Impactful Data Journalism

Across the globe, data journalism has been used to expose corruption, track climate change, analyze election results, and highlight social inequalities. Notable examples include The Guardian’s reporting on global COVID-19 trends, The New York Times’ visualizations of racial disparities, and ProPublica’s investigations into healthcare and policing.

These stories have not only informed the public but have also led to policy changes and increased accountability. This is the power of well-executed data journalism — it doesn't just report the facts, it drives change.

Building Skills in Data Journalism

For journalists looking to dive into data storytelling, there are many online courses and resources available. Websites like Coursera, DataJournalism.com, and the Knight Center offer tutorials ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

Journalists can also benefit from collaborating with data scientists or joining investigative teams that specialize in data-driven reporting. Building a network of peers and mentors, like Patrick Mphephu suggests, helps journalists grow in confidence and capability.

Conclusion

Data journalism is not a passing trend — it’s a vital evolution of the craft. In a world awash with information and misinformation, the ability to extract meaning from data and tell a powerful, truthful story is more important than ever. Journalists like Patrick Mphephu have shown that with the right approach, data can illuminate hidden realities, foster understanding, and inspire change.

By mastering data journalism, reporters can elevate their storytelling and make a lasting impact on society — one dataset at a time.