Statistical stories – and the right channels for them

Abstract

Statistical stories can paint an integrated picture in two ways. The writer can draw conclusions ready for the reader or put statistics side by side and let the reader draw his or her own conclusions. Both ways require analysis from the writer's part; the latter only respects the reader more, but also requires more of him or her. Different kinds of stories need different channels. Official numbers need official channels, but statistical experts, at least the best of them, know more than can be put under the tag “official statistics”. Statistics Finland wants to serve the tax payers and the media by giving them, not only the official numbers, but also the unofficial understanding of what the numbers mean. In making a clear distinction between the official and unofficial the old-fashioned print magazine is quite a good medium. There is no ready formula for a good statistical story, but ideas could travel: a story line from one country could be adapted to another.