There are, so the saying goes, three types of journalists - those who can count and those who can't..
It may be a bit of a giggle, but numeracy among journos, not to mention many "ordinary" South Africans, is not great.
By the standards of past and current reporting - and while not meaning any disrespect to my less fortunate colleagues, I know my way around basic maths and numbers, as well as a few technical facts.
Incorrect numbers can give a completely skewed picture.
Example: There is a difference in percentage and percentage points.
So, I had to point out to our sub-editors that a headline which said unemployment was down by 32.1% was not correct.
It had gone down to 32.1%, a decline of 1.4 percentage points. Understanding numbers also means logic is on your side.
The Star newspaper, back in 1995, ran a page 1 story saying two billion people had watched the opening game of the Rugby World Cup in Cape Town between the Boks and Australia.
Denne historien er fra November 21, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 21, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Vienna lights up streets for shoppers
MARKETS: SUPPORT FOR STRUGGLING RETAILERS
A front-row seat to the rich tapestry of nature
River cruising offers intimate experience
The song remains the same
It's the message not the medium that's important
Downs intent on hitting hard
If you think Mamelodi Sundowns will take their foot off the pedal should they race to an early lead in the Carling Knockout final against Magesi FC, then you're grossly mistaken.
Clean sweep beckons
STICK: SPRINGBOKS CHASE THE COMPLETE PERFORMANCE AGAINST WALES
Recognising burgeoning talent
AWARDS: FEINBERG-MNGOMEZULU COULD CAP A BREAKTHROUGH YEAR IN MONACO
Deputy Howley backs Gatland to get Wales out of trouble
Under-fire Wales boss Warren Gatland is the \"world's best coach\" and going nowhere, according to assistant Rob Howley (right).
Flyhalf is very 'Sexton-esque'
Sam Prendergast (above) has never been lacking in self-confidence, with his talent evident to many, and today he will get to pull the strings for Ireland at flyhalf in the Test against Fiji.
Scottish success riding on Aussie Test
Huw Jones believes the success of Scotland's November international campaign will be judged on whether they beat a rejuvenated Australia at Murrayfield tomorrow.
French defeat is hard to swallow
ALL BLACKS: SHOWING HEALTHY RESPECT FOR AZZURRI
