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AI agent for editors

Data Story Number Check Agent

Every figure in the story verified against the data

Quality controlWriters
See how it worksGet access
Data Story Number Check Agent: what goes in, what the agent does and what you get

What it does

A data story can have dozens of figures, and each one is a chance for a correction. This agent reads the draft and lists every number, comparison and descriptive word such as 'doubled', 'record' or 'most'. It recomputes each figure from the dataset and the analysis notes. It checks percent against percentage points, rounding, time periods and whether comparisons use the same base. Figures from outside reports are checked against those reports and the source is marked. Each mismatch is listed with the correct figure and the calculation. After the reporter fixes the draft, it runs again. It then checks that charts and captions match the corrected text. The editor approves before publication. Edge case: a chart comparing 11 months with 12 is flagged even when every number in it is correct.

How it works

Follow the arrows from top to bottom. The orange dashed arrow is the loop: when a check fails, the agent goes back and tries again.

Start and resultWhat it doesA check on its own workWaits for your OKGoes back and retries
Yes, continueYes, continueApprovedNoNo 1 STARTS WHEN Draft sent to editor 2 USES A TOOL Extract figures and descriptive claims 3 USES A TOOL Recompute each figure from the data 4 DOES Compare wording, periods and bases 5 CHECKS THE RESULT Do all figures and descriptions match the data? If not: list mismatches with correct values for thereporter. Back to step 3. 6 USES A TOOL Check charts and captions against the corrected text 7 CHECKS THE RESULT Do charts use the same periods and figures as thetext? If not: list chart fixes for the graphics desk. Back tostep 6. 8 YOU APPROVE Editor approves for publication 9 RESULT Verified draft with calculation log
Read the steps as a list
  1. Draft sent to editor
  2. Extract figures and descriptive claims
  3. Recompute each figure from the data
  4. Compare wording, periods and bases
  5. Do all figures and descriptions match the data?If not: list mismatches with correct values for the reporter. Back to step 3.
  6. Check charts and captions against the corrected text
  7. Do charts use the same periods and figures as the text?If not: list chart fixes for the graphics desk. Back to step 6.
  8. Editor approves for publicationThe agent waits here for your OK.
  9. Verified draft with calculation log

How it decides

A figure passes when the recomputed value matches within the agreed rounding and the wording fits the size of the change.

  • Flag percent versus percentage point confusion
  • Flag words like doubled when the change is not close to 100%
  • Check that compared periods have the same length

Make it yours

Every agent is a starting point. You choose these settings for your own situation.

  • Rounding rule
  • Words to watch
  • When to run
  • Log format

What keeps you in control

It always asks you first

  • Publishing the story

Hard limits

  • Never edits the story itself
  • Keeps a log of every calculation

It stops when

  • Done: all figures verified
  • Stop: dataset or notes missing; ask the reporter

Set it up

We guide you through the set-up, step by step

Members get the full set-up guide for this agent. No technical skills needed: you copy, paste and upload.

10 minto set it up in your AI
5 AIsChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, Gemini, Grok
  • One set of instructions to paste into your AI, with the clicks for ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Gemini and Grok
  • The agent then walks you through connecting your own data, one source at a time
  • A downloadable copy with the flow chart, the rules and the full guide
Get access to this agent

An example run

What happensA draft sent to the editor on July 8 said burglaries doubled, but the data showed a 74% rise. The figure check failed, and the agent listed the calculation. The reporter changed it to 'rose by nearly three quarters'. The rerun passed. The chart check then found the chart compared 11 months of this year with 12 of last year. The reporter fixed it, and the editor approved.

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