Authors
Olga Dovbysh1; Mariëlle Wijermars1; 1 Aleksanteri Institute, University of Helsinki, Finland Discussion
Analyzing the blossoming of data journalism in Russia in recent years, that resulted in award-winning investigations, as well as the recent governmental crackdown on independent media which has disproportionately targeted outlets practicing data journalism, this paper introduces a framework for studying data journalistic practices in their socio-political context. The paper asks: How do practices of access to datasets work in Russia? How do different degrees of trust shape knowledge production by data journalists in Russia? What repercussions do these restrictions and practices have for the societal function performed by data journalism? Building upon 17 interviews with media professionals (spring/fall 2020), the paper provides an empirically grounded understanding of how questions of access, data reliability, impact and repercussions condition how data journalism is practiced under authoritarian conditions. We find that access to data differs: economic data is more open than data on social issues (e.g., healthcare). This affects what journalists (can) investigate. Second, there has been a decline in data availability, and reliability of (governmental) data diverges substantially. Data journalists may sometimes choose to use stolen/leaked data, which gives rise to substantial ethical concerns but also involves legal risks. Finally, practicing data journalism in Russia risks repercussions as Russian authorities perceive investigations to be politically motivated. 
