At Media Party 2019, Derek Willis from ProPublica emphasized that technology must always serve an editorial purpose rather than mere technical capability. Before committing designers, developers, and reporters to interactive graphics or apps, newsrooms must prioritize journalism over technical capability, ensuring that every tool directly enhances the story’s core value.
Citing ProPublica’s “Dollars for Docs” project, Willis explained that data initiatives resonate most when readers can find their own lives reflected in the coverage. Without grounding projects in accessibility and individual relevance, news outlets risk building self-indulgent tools that satisfy internal teams rather than delivering meaningful public impact.
