A data analyst in the newsroom can make all the difference

Data analysts focus on analysing, interpreting, and presenting data to help inform newsroom strategies. They extract insights from metrics such as page views, time spent on articles, click-through rates, and subscriber behaviour.

With the growing focus on data and strategy in media companies, it has become essential to hire a dedicated analyst who can support strategic decision-making.

Naturally, a data analyst should work with tools that align with the ambitious goals every self-respecting media organisation aspires to achieve.

In this blog, you will discover:

• Why the role of a data analyst can make all the difference
• What a data analyst can contribute to a journalistic organisation
• Which channels and tools a data analyst uses to achieve goals
• How this combination of tasks and tools can boost media revenue

Why the role of a data analyst can make all the difference

Shall we start with a bold statement? If you're working in a newsroom of ten and someone leaves, it’s better to replace that position with a data analyst than with another journalist.

The reason is simple: good journalism doesn’t magically find its way to the right audience online - whether that audience is one that values it enough to pay for it or if it’s readers who will share their personal information in return (as in the case of an advertising model). If you want to reach that specific audience and grow your online presence, you need to pinpoint where your newsroom excels - and uncover new opportunities to expand its reach.

A data analyst has the power to elevate every piece of content your team creates, while a journalist typically focuses only on their own work. That ripple effect makes a data analyst the secret weapon for any newsroom looking to stay ahead of the game and maximise its potential.

What data analysts can contribute to newsrooms

Data analysts are the vital link between raw information and smart decision-making. Their role isn’t just about crunching numbers; it’s about translating data into clear strategies that drive results.

Which channels and tools data analysts use to achieve goals

Data analysts work day in and day out with measurement tools to monitor activity on their website. We’ll get to how smartocto can help with this in a moment, but, first, here’s a client case that highlights the value a data analyst can bring…

How this combination of tasks and tools can boost media revenue

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if quality journalism effortlessly found its audience? Unfortunately, that’s not the reality. Timing, format, distribution, and the right way of promoting content - each is a cog in the network that helps journalism reach more people and create greater impact.

Ultimately, it’s essential that all these metrics support the business side of journalism. Smartocto has proven to play a key role in driving revenue growth.

Hopefully, you now have a clearer picture of the important work data analysts do in newsrooms. They can bring significant value to the team and help improve the performance of all articles - and when they’re using and implementing smartocto’s suggestions and insights, this is especially so. For more information and demonstrations of our toolkit, get in touch.