- Explainer. A short sentence or paragraph should explain
what the infographic is about and why it might be
important to the reader. - Source. The origin of the information—who was polled,
for example, or what book or magazine was used—
should be identified.
Whatever type of infographic you choose, be sure to make it interest-
ing. Adding a cartoon, character or drawing to your infographic is the
final touch that will make it memorable. If you’re not an artist, use an
image scanner to capture an appropriate illustration. (Be careful about
copyright laws.) For inspiration, look at USA Today. It runs a clever info-
graphic every day at the front of each section.
(^372) PRODUCING THE NEWS
Your Beat
- Get a copy of an almanac from the library, and
choose an information “nugget.” An information nug-
get is a small group of facts that can be readily devel-
oped into an infographic. For example, rock concerts,
at 120 decibels, rank among the most deafening
experiences teenagers may encounter. By determin-
ing the decibel level of a variety of noises, a student
could create an infographic dramatizing the danger
of long-term exposure to loud music. Brainstorm to
determine how this information might be presented
as an infographic that supports a related story. - Create an infographic for either of the following infor-
mation nuggets:
a. Six of the longest-dating couples:- Li’l Abner and Daisy May
- Archie and Veronica
- Clark Kent and Lois Lane
4. Donald Duck and Daisy Duck
5. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
6. Popeye and Olive Oyl
b. From 2001 to 2004, nine hurricanes struck
the U.S. mainland, and three of those were
classified as major. Compare that with the hur-
ricane statistics for the previous six decades:
DECADE TOTAL NUMBER OF MAJOR
HURRICANES HURRICANES
1991–2000 14 5
1981–1990 15 5
1971–1980 12 4
1961–1970 14 6
1951–1960 17 8
1941–1950 24 10Source: National Hurricane Center