Notes Towards an Analysis of Computational Journalism

25 Pages Posted: 22 Feb 2012 Last revised: 1 Mar 2012

See all articles by C.W. Anderson

C.W. Anderson

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Date Written: October 26, 2011

Abstract

This article advances a critical research approach to computational journalism. By “computational journalism” the article refers to the increasingly ubiquitous forms of algorithmic, social scientific, and mathematical forms of newswork adopted by many 21st century newsrooms and touted by many educational institutions as “the future of news.” By “critical approach,” the article endorses a research model that brackets, at least temporarily, many of the current industry concerns with the practical usability of newsroom analysis. The bulk of the article outlines a series of six lenses through which such a critical approach to computational journalism might be carried out. Four of these lenses are drawn from Schudson’s classic typology of the sociology of news — economic, political, cultural, and organizational approaches. In addition, the author adds Bordieuean field approaches and technological lenses to the mix. In each instance, the author discusses how particular approaches might need to be modified in order to study computational journalism in the digital age.

Keywords: internet, computational journalism, newsroom analysis, sociology of news

Suggested Citation

Anderson, C.W., Notes Towards an Analysis of Computational Journalism (October 26, 2011). HIIG Discussion Paper Series No. 2012-1, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2009292. or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2009292

C.W. Anderson (Contact Author)

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )