• Data-driven Journalism: Survey on Data Processing and Cloud Services for Newsrooms

  • Spearheaded by the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD), Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN), and Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), in collaboration with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), Big Local News, the Center for Journalism and Liberty, and the Pulitzer Centre, the emerging Journalism Cloud Alliance is launching this survey to gain insights into the requirements of various newsrooms and journalism organisations regarding data science, storage, cloud services, and data processing. Our goal is to work together to find ways of making data storage and processing capacity more accessible and affordable for investigative and data newsrooms.

    Aim of this survey: This consultation survey is designed to gather input on what kind of data work you do, what specific tools you host or run yourselves, the kinds of data you store, what platforms you are using, and any significant cost barriers for your organisation.

    We would also like to know if you are interested in joining this Alliance of similar organisations working to improve access to and reduce the costs associated with the use of computational and cloud services.

    Length of the survey: The survey should take less than 15 minutes to answer. However, it would be particularly helpful if you could add additional suggestions and ideas in the comment boxes provided. We are extremely grateful for your time and input.

    In accordance with the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), your responses will solely be used for the specific purpose of this survey.

  • About You

  • What is the approximate number of full-time journalists and other staff working in your organisation?

  • Current Capacities and Needs

  • 1. What is your organisation currently spending on data storage and processing systems (per month in USD)?*

  • 2. How much is your organisation presently spending on salaries for staff managing data storage and processing technology (per month in USD)?*

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  • Estimated Future Needs

  • 6. Over the next 2 to 3 years, do you expect large volumes of data storage and processing to play a larger role in your organisation's activity?*

  • 7. Over the next 2 to 3 years, do you expect audio, video, and large imagery (including satellite imagery) storage and processing to play a larger role in your organisation's activity?*

  • 8. How much in total do you expect your organisation to spend on data services, data storage, and processing systems 2 to 3 years from now (per month in USD)?*

  • 9. Do your current computational and cloud infrastructure providers enable you to do journalism work/investigations you'd like to undertake over the next 2 to 3 years?*

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  • 11. Do you have concerns about the security and/or privacy of confidential and sensitive data when it is stored with cloud providers that are also developing their in-house AI foundation models?*

  • 12. Has your organisation ever switched cloud providers?*

  • The Impact of AI, Machine Learning, and Large Language Models on Journalism

  • 14. In the next 2 to 3 years, is your organisation planning to use/develop AI models (e.g., generative AI) to assist in your work?*
  • 15. Do you have any other plans to expand your work that involves AI, machine learning, and/or large language models?*
  • 16. Would your organisation be interested in using AI, machine learning, and/or large language models if computational and cloud services were more affordable, secure, and/or easier to access?*

  • Journalism Cloud Alliance

  • 17. Would you be interested in collaborating with organisations with similar interests to secure better tech deals and identify optimal cloud providers?*

  • 19. Would you be open to discussing these questions with us in greater depth?*

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