computer assisted reporting

Power Reporting up for grabs

Power Reporting, at one time a leading destination for journalists in need of computer-assisted-reporting resources, is up for grabs.

Founder Bill Dedman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning former Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Boston Globe reporter who’s now at MSNBC.com, is hoping that a university or non-profit will revive the site or take it in a new direction.

The site was one of the first online stops I’d show my students. As far as I know, there’s nothing else quite like it, although there are numerous sites that will take you part of the way. It was a great resource, and it would be nice to see someone pick up the baton.

A reporter’s best friend

Jeff Keating, writing for the Greater Boston Blog, makes a terrific find — Government Center, a collection of computer-assisted-reporting (CAR) resources at Boston.com. I especially like the Dunkin’ Donuts finder. But seriously — this is great stuff, and I’ll add it to the list of resources I give my students.

Here are a few of Media Nation’s favorite CAR sites:

Power Reporting. Down at the moment; I hope it’s temporary.
New York Times Newsroom Navigator. Tons of goodies.
Project Vote Smart. Almost everything you need to know about elected officials.
IRE Resource Center. From Investigative Reporters and Editors.
Massachusetts state payroll. From the Herald.

Have any I should know about? Please pass them along.