Category Archives: Databases

May 14

Track how the feds are doing with TRAC

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Barbara Fought

Part of  a series on databases. Tucked in a suite behind a non-descript beige door here at the Newhouse School at Syracuse University is an amazing group of people who crunch numbers and publish surprising statistics that help your readers/listeners/viewers gain … Read More →

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May 08

If A Plane Crashes — Be Ready!

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Barbara Fought

More than 470 people died in airline accidents in 2010, the latest year for which the National Transportation Safety Board reports. That’s many fewer lives than are killed each year on highways, nearly 33,000.  Still, you’ll probably have an airline … Read More →

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May 03

Find Doctors In Your Area Paid by Drug Companies

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Barbara Fought

Part of a series on databases to help in daily reporting. One important journalistic principle is avoiding conflicts of interest. We usually think about that for journalist avoiding ties that might taint their work. But I think it applies to … Read More →

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Apr 30

Tracking Campaign Finance — and More

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Barbara Fought

Part of a series on how databases can add value to daily news stories.  Have you heard the political drumbeat?  The national presidential race appears down to two contendors.  U.S. Senate campaigns are likely in full swing. And in some … Read More →

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Apr 27

Track Charities with a 990

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Barbara Fought

Part of a series on how databases can add value to daily news stories.  We’re coming up on the time when non-profits and charities have to file their 990 reports to the IRS, giving basic financial information, salaries of top … Read More →

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Apr 23

Database Quickies: Property Records

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Barbara Fought

Part of a series  on databases that add value to a daily story. A well-known person in our area, under federal investigation, suddenly put his house up for sale.  It became a page 1 story in the local paper, with details … Read More →

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Apr 19

Database Quickies: Corporation Filings to SEC

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Barbara Fought

Part of a series  on databases that add value to a daily story. An international  company with a small plant aways from where I live announced it is closing that facility and  laying off 150 employees. The closure,  in a small … Read More →

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Apr 17

Database Quickies: Census

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Barbara Fought

Start of a series on databases accessible quickly to add value to a daily story.  I’ve just finished teaching students about databases that can be accessed quickly and can make a story stronger with context or a take-away fact. Reporters, … Read More →

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Mar 16

Online Resources for Stories on Gas Prices

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Barbara Fought

I just drove by a station that was selling gas for $3.95 in Central New York.  And then I saw a story in the LA Times noting, “[t]he consumer price index jumped 0.4% last month from January, mostly because of … Read More →

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Feb 29

New York Times + API + FEC = helpful election coverage

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Barbara Fought

When I grow up I want to be a CAR journalist, one who knows  several methods of computer-assisted reporting and how to mine data for great stories. One of the newest uses that impresses me is what the New York … Read More →

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