Numbers are funny things — especially for journalists. 
They sound so definite and authoritative. Numbers represent facts in a seemingly indisputable way. They are easy to use and easy to understand.
But numbers should always be checked for context and source. One journalist who regularly examines the source and context of numbers is Carl Bailik, a Wall Street Journal reporter who writes a column called The Numbers Guy. This column is one of the free features of the Wall Street Journal web site, and those interested in good reporting should check it regularly.
Read more about journalism and issues facing the profession at JPROF.com.
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