Filling the mainstream media void
July 11, 2008| By Nathaniel Ward
They say a picture is worth a thousand words.
With newspaper circulation declining, the mainstream press is cutting back on newsroom staff. Some newspapers are unable to conduct the amount of analysis they used to, nor can they produce timely charts and other graphics to illustrate news stories and opinion columns.
The Heritage Foundation’s experts have worked hard to fill this void—and at the same time advance conservative ideas through topical information.
For more than a year, Heritage has produced the “à la chart” series of information graphics, which are based on our in-depth research and e-mailed to news editors and columnists around the country.
» Review Heritage’s “à la chart” archive
Journalists receive a complimentary, colorful graphic by e-mail and simply click on a link to download the size and format that serves their needs. They also get links to related Heritage research papers and op-ed columns on policy issues that affect their readers’ lives. The charts are produced by two former newspaper editors: Ken McIntyre, our Guardabassi Fellow in Media and Public Policy, and John Fleming, our senior data graphics editor.
Featuring analysis of issues like federal spending, entitlements, the defense budget, terrorism, health care, illegal immigration and energy costs, the “à la chart” project is making an impact.
For example, the June issue of Chief Executive magazine—which reaches 170,000 readers, including 42,000 business leaders—used a Heritage chart to illustrate the economic consequences of Congress’ global warming proposals.
And in the nation’s capital, the Washington Examiner just published our Independence Day-themed graphic on the need to maintain and strengthen America’s first principles.
Data and policy points from “à la chart” graphics have appeared in numerous editorials and commentaries in newspapers such as the New York Post, Detroit News, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Houston Chronicle, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Florida Times-Union, Louisville Courier-Journal, Baton Rouge Advocate and Chattanooga Times Free Press. Web sites that have posted “à la chart” include CNSNews.com, Crosswalk.com, and Women.Home.Business.com.
Nathaniel Ward is the Editor of MyHeritage.org—a website for members and supporters of The Heritage Foundation. Ken McIntyre, Heritage’s Guardabassi Fellow in Media and Public Policy, contributed to this report.
