Think “data journalism” sounds dry? Think again.

In this smart (and surprisingly funny) episode of Laid Off and Looking, we talk with Jess Awtry, Vice President of Digital Strategy and Communications at the Pew Research Center, about how numbers, charts, and audience analytics are shaping the future of news.

Jess breaks down why data is more than spreadsheets, it’s storytelling, accountability, and the best defense we’ve got against misinformation and AI slop. From newsroom gut instincts to “clicks vs. credibility,” she explains how journalists can use data without losing their humanity (or their sense of humor).

🎙️ In this episode:

00:00 - Start

05:15 - Jess Awtry Interview

06:36 - What is Data Journalism

14:36 - Time Decay Attribution Model

36:41 - Will AI Impact Data Journalism?

41:33 - Polling Manipulation

45:28 - Longreads v TLDR

50:10 - Creator Model Journalism

54:39 - Why Did You Become a Journalist

💡 Whether you’re a data skeptic, a newsroom veteran, or just curious about how information really works, this one’s for you.

📈 Subscribe to Laid Off and Looking, where we talk about how journalism is changing, and the people trying to make sure the truth keeps up.