Data Journalism Studio

We make data talk.

About us

We are data journalists and analysts. We create thorough analyses on a wide range of topics that impact society, politics, and the economy. Our expertise lies in data processing, visualization, and the creation of maps, charts, and interactive tools that help clarify complex issues. We focus on responsible work within a broader context, delivering clear and understandable outputs that can serve as a foundation for informed decision-making.

Our projects often combine detailed data analysis with storytelling, illustrating concrete impacts on individuals, the environment, and society as a whole. We excel at uncovering unexpected connections, whether related to political decisions, local issues, or global trends.

We believe that quality journalism must be rooted in accurate data and its transparent interpretation. Our goal is to provide valuable and practical information for both the general public and professionals.

Kateřina

The Storyteller

Kateřina is an award-winning data journalist with over a decade of experience in transforming complex datasets into compelling narratives.

Katerina is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Datová žurnalistika, a pioneering platform dedicated to advancing data journalism in the Czech Republic and beyond.

With a diverse educational background spanning creative writing, media studies, and journalism from institutions including Charles University, Bangor University, and UC San Diego, Katerina brings a unique blend of analytical skills and storytelling prowess to her work in data journalism.

Michal

The Data Magician

Dr. Michal Škop is a multifaceted data scientist, demographer, and political analyst with over 15 years of experience in transforming complex data into actionable insights and engaging public tools.

As the Director of NGO KohoVolit.eu since 2009, Michal has been at the forefront of developing innovative Volební kalkulačka in Czechia, Volebná kalkulačka in Slovakia, Wahlrechner in Austria, and Voksmonitor in Hungary, which have empowered voters across Central Europe to make informed decisions.

His academic career includes positions as a Researcher or Lecturer at the Universidad de Salamanca's Instituto de Iberoamérica in Spain, Palacky University and University of Hradec Králové in Czechia, stay at Max Planck Institute for Demography in Rostock, Germany.

Our work

Why We Do It

The media landscape in the Czech Republic faces challenges with a lack of in-depth and contextual data analysis. Many issues are presented superficially, without strong connections to facts or global context. We strive to change this. Our mission is to enrich public debate with high-quality data-driven insights that can inform decision-making at every level of society.

How We Do It

We leverage cutting-edge technologies and data analysis techniques. By blending traditional journalism with innovative approaches such as machine learning, geospatial analysis, and interactive applications, we bring fresh perspectives to complex issues. Our data comes from public databases as well as collaborations with experts, academics, and local communities.

As an internationally connected team, we partner with organizations and individuals worldwide to deliver well-researched and reliable information.

Our Principles and Values

• Expertise and Transparency: Every piece of work is grounded in verified facts, with clear and accessible sourcing.

• Independence: We operate free from political or commercial influence. Our funding comes from independent sources and crowdfunding.

• Innovation: We continuously explore new ways to present data and stories, ensuring they are engaging and meaningful for diverse audiences.

• Collaboration: We believe in the power of teamwork, connecting experts, journalists, and the public to uncover deeper insights together.

What We Offer

Our analyses and visualizations are designed for a wide range of audiences, including the general public, academic institutions, non-profits, and media organizations. We demonstrate that data is more than just numbers–it is a vital tool for understanding the world around us and driving meaningful change.

Testimonials

“Thank you for the work you do, really good!”

Ivan Gabal

sociologist, co-founder of OF

12/19/2024

“Thanks to Kateřina Mahdalová for great visualizations (I recommend following her), that’s why I wrote some time ago that with this unexpected move, Seznam Zprávy lost one of the best Czech data journalists.”

Tomáš Protivínský

IDEA CERGE-EI

11/6/2024

“Thank you for your great work, I stand by you and I am not alone.”

Lucie Fremrová

University of Brighton

11/6/2024

“A year ago, Kateřina Mahdalová exposed the manipulated survey by the Prague Chamber of Commerce on traffic calming in the center. While other media just blindly repeated it without verification. Respect for that!”

Cities for People

organization

10/6/2024

“In my opinion, Mahdalová and Škop are the best data journalists here.”

Michal Illich

entrepreneur, investor

10/3/2024

“[...] the award goes to the duo Kateřina Mahdalová and Michal Škop for their thorough preparation of the election calculator, our most prominent pre-election contribution last week before the European elections.”

Jiří Kubík

editor-in-chief SZ

6/3/2024

“I would like to highlight the work of our Kateřina Mahdalová and Michal Škop - their model again showed results very accurately just an hour and a half after the polls closed (Slovak elections 2023).”

Tomáš Kapler

AI and online business consultant

10/1/2023

“A huge amount of work is visible behind the quality of life map for individual municipalities (this time with a clear rating using the number of "stars") prepared by Kateřina Mahdalová and Michal Škop.”

Jiří Kubík

editor-in-chief SZ

4/11/2023

“I have always enjoyed reading your articles; it has always been good work.”

Dušan Janovský

Seznam.cz search consultant

4/11/2023

“Hats off! You are good 🙂”

Václav Štětka

media expert, Uni Loughborough

1/28/2023

“Congratulations to Kateřina and Michal 👍👏👏👏 Their prediction was absolutely accurate. Thanks to them, Seznam Zprávy could report an hour earlier than the results from ČSÚ that Petr Pavel would surpass Andrej Babiš.”

Jiří Kubík

editor-in-chief SZ

1/14/2023

“[...] systematic work by Katka Mahdalová and Michal Škop on parliamentary attendance and presidential chances.”

Martin Jašminský

editor-in-chief SZ business

12/19/2022

“[...] things stood out last week unequivocally from the gray numerical average: the Presidential Compass by Kateřina Mahdalová and Michal Škop, our new tool for presidential preferences.”

Jiří Kubík

editor-in-chief SZ

11/21/2022

“I also consider the special calculator to be truly exceptional content. K. Mahdalová and M. Škop presented a great election calculator focused on municipal elections, specifically election programs in big cities.”

Jiří Kubík

editor-in-chief SZ

9/19/2022

“Kateřina Mahdalová excellently processed a series on the state of vaccination in the Czech Republic.”

Jakub Unger

editorial director SZ

5/24/2021

“You’re doing it [Kateřina] well, catching interesting perspectives. I think it fits perfectly.”

Jaroslav Kábele

general director ČTK

4/8/2021

“An excellent analysis by Kateřina Mahdalová based on data from the Ministry of Health about how individual measures limit the spread of the infection (closed districts, which prolonged the state of emergency, are not among them).”

Jiří Kubík

editor-in-chief SZ

3/29/2021

“Exceptionally well-done things that definitely deserve praise: A unique election model, constantly updated with new preference surveys, created by Kateřina Mahdalová.”

Jiří Kubík

editor-in-chief SZ

3/21/2021