Using the net to get the story

New Zealand journalists could be using computer-assisted reporting (CAR) techniques to produce better-researched, more in-depth articles, according to National Business Review webmaster and technology contributor Francis Till.

While most reporters these days use email and popular web-based search engines such as Google for research, Till says there are a number of less well-known search engines which could be helping them perform more specialised searches.

Many of these search engines are freely available on the web, while others – such as LexisNexis, Factiva and The Knowledge Basket – charge for their services.

Till is one of three experienced CAR practitioners scheduled to speak at the CAR: Research in the Internet Age seminar at Wintec in Hamilton on December 7. He will give advice on developing search strategies and discuss general, specialist and investigative searching on the internet.

Till believes Google is a very useful search engine, but says that because it ranks results or "hits" by popularity, it is not well-suited to certain specialised or obscure searches.

Many information sites, such as the Companies Office, are not interested in having Google scan their content, so reporters need to know to look there – and how to look there – themselves, he says.

Till, a former search engine optimiser, says that as technology advances, it becomes more important for reporters to be able to use computer databases and software to assist them with their research.

However, many local reporters simply do not know how to use the technology effectively.

"These more specialised search engines, for example, probably aren't used very well in New Zealand."

However, CAR is being used more and more to help break news stories.

For example, New Zealand Herald reporter Louisa Cleave used online research to find out that Canadian John Davy lied on his c.v. before he was hired as chief executive of Maori TV.

While CAR has many advantages, it is not without its problems. For starters, many of these specialised searches are relatively time-consuming.

"With time you can locate all sorts of people and information. But that's just it – it does take time," says Till.

These techniques may not be suitable for reporters working to tight deadlines, therefore, but they can be very useful for those with the time to research their subject more fully.

"The old way of dealing with things was to read the press release, talk to the relevant person, write up the story and that was it. But these new technologies can provide much richer background information and, because of that, put stories in context."

However, Till is adamant that the computer is just one tool of many reporters have available to them to assist them with their work.

"The web's a great resource but it doesn't replace picking up the phone and talking to people."

Paul Smith, deputy editor of nzherald.co.nz, agrees. The internet, email and other computer-based technologies have made life easier for reporters, but they won't replace traditional reporting tools, he says.

"Email often makes it easier to contact people, particularly if they're overseas. But nothing beats actually speaking to people over the phone."

Smith says he often uses trusted online sources like NZPA, Reuters and government websites for information, but is wary of less well-known sites.

"It's important not to take any online information at face value," he says.