The Positions of Data-Related Peripheral Actors in Journalism Practice

Abstract

With datafication, newsroom practices have become increasingly data driven. As a result, various peripheral actors from the field of technology now play a recognized role in journalism practice as invited experts. This article analyzes how data-related peripheral actors foster and maintain engagement with journalism. It draws from practice and positioning theory to advance our understanding of how technologists working at external data companies position themselves in relation to journalism practice and how they may transform journalism as a result. The study is based on the “practice stories” of 9 individuals, including data analysts, engineers, consultants, and managers providing data analytics services for Finnish newsrooms. A narrative positioning analysis was conducted to assess how these actors negotiated their possibilities and duties in relation to journalism. Data specialists’ positions are ordered by 3 anchoring practices: quantifiable knowing, product innovation, and project-based consulting for news organizations. This study enhances our understanding of peripheral actors’ positioning as a relational and variating phenomenon.