Feasibility

Definition

Feasibility refers to the practicality and viability of a project or idea, often assessing whether it can be effectively executed within certain constraints, such as time, resources, and technical capabilities. In the context of identifying data-driven story ideas, feasibility helps determine if the story can be supported by available data and if it is worth pursuing based on its potential impact and relevance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Feasibility can be evaluated through various criteria, including technical feasibility (can it be done?), economic feasibility (is it worth it?), and operational feasibility (can it be implemented?).
2. Assessing feasibility helps journalists avoid wasting time on story ideas that lack sufficient data or resources to support them.
3. A feasible story idea should not only be possible but also align with the audience's interests and the publication's goals.
4. The process of determining feasibility often involves brainstorming potential story ideas and then evaluating them based on available data and resources.
5. Feasibility assessments may require collaboration with data analysts or other experts to ensure that technical challenges are identified early in the planning process.

Review Questions

• How does assessing feasibility help journalists prioritize their story ideas?
  • Assessing feasibility allows journalists to prioritize their story ideas by evaluating which ones can realistically be executed with the available data and resources. This means that stories with a higher chance of success can be focused on first, avoiding unnecessary efforts on ideas that may not have enough backing. It ultimately leads to more effective storytelling and better use of time and resources.
• In what ways can data availability impact the feasibility of a story idea?
  • Data availability is crucial for assessing feasibility because if the necessary data isn't accessible, a story idea might not be viable. Journalists must ensure that relevant datasets exist to support their narratives. Limited data can restrict the depth and credibility of the reporting, potentially leading to a decision not to pursue certain story ideas at all.
• Evaluate the role of resource allocation in determining the feasibility of data-driven story ideas and its implications for journalistic practice.
  • Resource allocation plays a vital role in determining the feasibility of data-driven story ideas because it influences how much time, money, and personnel can be dedicated to each project. If resources are limited, journalists must critically assess which stories are worth pursuing based on potential impact versus resource investment. This balancing act shapes journalistic practices by encouraging more strategic decisions about which stories are developed, ultimately affecting the diversity and richness of coverage available to audiences.

Related terms

Data Availability: The extent to which relevant data is accessible and can be utilized for analysis or storytelling.

Resource Allocation: The process of distributing available resources, such as time, funding, and personnel, to support specific projects or initiatives.

Impact Assessment: The evaluation of the potential effects and significance of a project or story idea, including its social, economic, or political implications.