NL Hafta

In this edition of NL Interviews, Cherry Agarwal speaks to Govindraj Ethiraj about the importance of data-led stories, the credibility of data and the role of data and evidence in the public discourse. Ethiraj is a television and print journalist, who founded IndiaSpend, a data-driven journalistic platform, as well as a fact-checking website, BOOM. The discussion kicks off with the 2019 General Elections. Ethiraj says, "We've seen a steady increase in the amount of misinformation and fake news being generated. It is only getting sharper, more intensive and more creative as we go along." This is adding to the overall election temperature, he adds. Ethiraj also speaks about how data can be used during the 2019 elections. "There are two kinds of data points, one is to do with elections, candidates, what they have done and what they didn't. While they are insightful, they (such data) are a little late in the day to make electoral decisions," he says. However, he adds, over time, data can be used to empower people and informing electoral decisions. Ethiraj also speaks about why there's a need to focus on data and evidence, how data can be used to tell stories in public interest and how it can improve the public discourse. Can data be used to counter divisive, political rhetoric? Can data be used to enforce better governance and accountability? What are the challenges of making data accessible and appealing to a larger audience? The interview addresses all these questions. Listen up!