MUTHEE JOSHUA MUCHIRI

MCS-234-028/2012

ADVANCED BROADCAST WRITING

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING

HOW TO USE FIGURES AND STATISTICS IN WRITING AND REPORTING ENVIRONMENTAL STORIES:

Statistics and figures can seem to contradict with other figures that people or other sources have.

Statistics can be true but misleading e.g. saying that Kenya has more trees than there were 100 years ago. The exact truth is that there are more man-made trees planted over time than natural forests.

The difference is so because sources have a particular view they want to get across so they cite a statistic that is misleading or false.

Reporters should;

·         Pay special attention to the wording of any statistic.

·         Ask for its source which should be reputable

·         Where possible get a copy of the report to verify its accuracy.

·         When there are conflicting figures note them along with the sources.

·         Get other experts to verify the statistic and answer the Question, What does this mean?

When dealing with poll numbers:

Since it is very easy to mislead with poll numbers, a journalist should;

·         Evaluate survey results with special care i.e. ask questions such as Why was it done? By whom? Who has interest in the outcome?

·         Look at the sort of sample used i.e. the no. of people.  (Reasonable size and biasness.)
      Look at the wording of the questions to evade some dramatic effect.