538: The Data Behind the News

What is 538?

538 is a website and media company that uses data analysis to provide information about politics, economics, sports, and science. Founded in 2008 by Nate Silver, 538 has become a leading source of data-driven journalism, with a reputation for accuracy and insightful analysis.

How does 538 use data?

538 uses a variety of data sources to inform its reporting, including polls, surveys, and government data. The company's team of data scientists uses this data to create statistical models that can predict the outcomes of elections, sporting events, and other events.

538 also uses data to create interactive visualizations that make it easy for readers to understand complex topics. For example, the company's "Magic Number" tool shows the number of wins needed by a team to clinch a playoff berth or division title.

What is 538's impact?

538 has had a significant impact on journalism and public discourse. The company's data-driven approach has helped to bring a level of transparency and accountability to the news media.

538 has also helped to raise awareness of the importance of data literacy. The company's work has shown that data can be used to inform and empower citizens, and that it is an essential tool for understanding the world around us.