Abstract

This article presents a communication circuit model for analysis by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The model encompasses the process of producing statistical data by technicians, interpreting the data by media professionals, and the strategies employed by both the Institute and journalistic outlets to communicate the data to society. The main objective of this circuit is to provide a simplified understanding of the flow of communication of data produced by the IBGE. Furthermore, it aims to propose a circuit that can be easily adapted for analyzing the communication practices of other producers of statistical or scientific information.
The proposed model is inspired by the circuit put forth by Robert Darnton (2007) for the analysis of books. Darnton's model not only considers the books themselves but also takes into account their entire context of production and distribution (see Figure 1). Drawing inspiration from Darnton's work, we have developed an applicable circuit for analyzing the communication of statistical data from the IBGE (refer to Figure 2).
The Public includes the State (public agents with public purposes), the market (private agents with private purposes), civil society organizations (private agents with public purposes), and the general population. As the country's official statistics agency, the IBGE fulfills diverse demands from the State, such as producing economic indicators and providing support for the development of public policies. The market and organized civil society also have an interest in the data produced by the IBGE to further their own objectives. Moreover, the Institute increasingly prioritizes citizens as the primary focus instead of solely focusing on the State, considering that most of the population lacks expertise in statistics.
Through the Collect flow, the IBGE obtains various data from society, which are processed and transformed into statistical information to be disseminated directly (via the Dissemination flow) and indirectly through intermediary agents who "translate" statistical information for the non-specialized public.
Journalistic Vehicles play a crucial role in disseminating the information produced by the IBGE. They encompass print media (newspapers, magazines) as well as electronic media (radio, TV, internet) aiming to inform their respective audiences.
There are also Other Intermediaries, both private and public. Examples include institutions like the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and the Applied Economics Research Institute (IPEA), which utilize IBGE information to conduct their own research and interpretations. Experts from academia and other institutions can also be included in this category. Additionally, there are individuals or groups who utilize information to serve their own interests and may resort to tactics such as distortion and manipulation to deceive the public.
The General Context comprehends communicational, cultural, social, economic, legal, and political aspects. This context is influenced by the impact of the internet on society, particularly in terms of information consumption and sharing. The use of algorithms in internet filters contributes to the formation of information bubbles, limiting users' exposure to diverse viewpoints. This phenomenon facilitates the spread of fake news. Information producers need to explore ways to ensure public access to correct data.