By: Ola Elnimah, Charles Mba, Hitarth Patel

Homelessness presents a critical social challenge in Canada, influencing individual wellbeing and societal participation while exhibiting varying degrees of visibility across the country’s provinces and territories. This study zeroes in on the geographic disparities in how local news outlets across Canada cover homelessness, underscoring potential implications for public perception and policymaking. Through a comparative analysis of 24 newspaper articles from six provinces, each chosen for their high and low rates of homelessness, this research examines the frequency of coverage, narrative framing (e.g., attributing homelessness to personal failings versus systemic issues), and the solutions proposed by media outlets between 2017 and 2023. The findings unveil a complex portrayal of homelessness, blending personal responsibility and systemic failure narratives. There’s a marked preference for immediate relief measures over comprehensive, long-term strategies, with economic and health concerns often cited as primary causes, relegating social and housing factors to lesser significance. By shedding light on how homelessness is depicted in regional media, this study seeks to enhance understanding of the media’s influence on public opinion and policy initiatives regarding homelessness. The insights gained could pave the way for more informed, localized responses to homelessness, thereby improving public awareness, shaping policy, and supporting interventions that address the specific needs of different communities.

Literature Review

The portrayal of homelessness in Canadian media is a significant factor influencing public perceptions and policy responses. The media is a critical avenue through which public perceptions and policy responses are shaped. This literature review examines how six prominent Canadian local newspapers, which were selected for their applicability to regions with notable per-capita rates of homelessness, depict homelessness in a nuanced manner. This selection aims to reveal how regional media portrayals either connect with or set off from national trends and theoretical frameworks in media studies, emphasizing the urgency and local specificity of homelessness as a social issue.

By looking at, framing theory (Entman, 1993) it is evident that the way news media frame issues can significantly influence how audiences understand them. This theory is central to understanding how media coverage of homelessness emphasizes certain aspects (e.g., personal failure, systemic injustice) over others, influencing readers’ interpretations and attitudes. It provides a lens through which we can analyze the selective presentation of information and its impact on public perception and policy discourse. Frames operate by emphasizing certain interpretations and omitting others, thus shaping the context through which a social issue like homelessness is perceived. Studies have shown that news coverage often oscillates between attributing homelessness to individual failings (personal responsibility) and highlighting systemic shortcomings (systemic failure) (Chong & Druckman, 2007). The work of Young & Craig (2014) on regional media coverage of social issues in Canada suggests that local newspapers play a pivotal role in framing social issues in ways that resonate with or challenge local public perceptions and policy approaches. In the context of homelessness, this could mean varying emphases on systemic versus individual causes and solutions, reflecting regional economic, social, and political contexts (Young & Craig, 2014).

On the other hand, the agenda-setting function (McCombs & Shaw, 1972) of the media posits that the prominence given to issues in the news influences the public’s perception of their importance. Agenda-setting theory helps explain the media’s role in determining the importance of social issues like homelessness. By examining which aspects of homelessness are covered more frequently and prominently, we can assess how media influences public priorities and governmental policy agendas. In the local contexts Soroka (2014) explores how local media can set the agenda for public discourse, potentially leading to mobilization around local issues. For homelessness, this may translate into greater public awareness and action in areas with higher rates of homelessness, as covered by local newspapers, highlighting the importance of media in shaping policy priorities at both local and national levels (Soroka, 2014).

The research by Tompkins (2016) on media influence over policy decisions emphasizes the role of local news in bringing issues like homelessness to the attention of policymakers, thereby influencing funding allocations, policy development, and community-based solutions. Thereby, emphasizing local newspapers, by reflecting the unique challenges of their regions, can advocate for tailored solutions that address specific causes and manifestations of homelessness (Tompkins, 2016).

Whereas, Thistle, J. (2017) underscores the need for media to accurately represent Indigenous perspectives on homelessness, which are often rooted in broader issues of colonialism, systemic racism, and displacement. The inclusion of Indigenous voices in local newspaper coverage is crucial for fostering a comprehensive understanding of homelessness that goes beyond non-Indigenous frameworks (Thistle, 2017). For example, in their analysis of media coverage in Ontario, Smith and Lee (2010) found that local newspapers significantly influenced community perceptions of homelessness by focusing on stories of individual hardship without adequately addressing underlying systemic issues. This research demonstrates the framing theory in action, showing how selective presentation of stories can shape public understanding of complex social issues. Likewise, to Thistle’s (2017) influential work on Indigenous homelessness in Canada as well highlights the gap in media representation of Indigenous experiences, often framed within a context of substance abuse or criminality rather than colonial displacement or systemic barriers. This study underscores the importance of incorporating diverse narratives to provide a more accurate and comprehensive portrayal of homelessness.

Lastly, the potential of solutions-oriented journalism (Loreto, 2020) engages with the public in constructive discussions around homelessness, advocating for media coverage that not only highlights problems but also showcases innovative solutions being explored or implemented across different regions (Loreto, 2020). Loreto (2020) really explores the impact of solutionsoriented journalism on public engagement with social issues, specifically homelessness in Vancouver. The study found that articles highlighting successful community interventions led to increased public support and involvement in homelessness initiatives.

In conclusion, the portrayal of homelessness in Canadian media has a substantial impact on public opinion and policy choices, as demonstrated by the agenda-setting role and the application of framing theory. This analysis highlights how local newspapers shift their narratives about homelessness to blame either systemic problems or personal shortcomings, with a focus on the latter. The media’s role in promoting a nuanced understanding and public engagement on homelessness is highlighted by the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives and the emphasis on solutions-oriented journalism. This media coverage highlights the significance of an all-encompassing and sympathetic media approach to addressing homelessness across Canada, as it not only shapes public attitudes but also influences policy initiatives.

Methods

This study analyzed the representation of homelessness in six major local newspapers across Canada, selected based on the per-capita rate of homelessness. The cities chosen were divided into two categories: three with the highest rates of homelessness per capita (Red Deer Advocate, Calgary Herald, The Vancouver Sun) and three with the lowest (Lethbridge Herald, Saskatoon Star Phoenix, Toronto Star). The selection criteria aimed to provide a comprehensive view of how homelessness is portrayed in areas with varying degrees of this social issue.

For data collection, the term “homelessness” was used to search each newspaper’s website, ensuring consistency across sources. The four most recent articles directly addressing homelessness within the relevant city were selected from each news outlet, totaling 24 articles for analysis. The selection relied on a judgment sampling method, excluding opinion pieces, articles about homelessness outside the newspaper’s local area, and pieces that merely mentioned homelessness without substantive discussion. Given that the study involved publicly available information, without any interventions or privacy concerns, a formal ethics review was not deemed necessary.

Each article was coded for demographic details (Article ID, Title, Publication Date, News Site, and Article Link) and analyzed according to several key dimensions: Framing of Homelessness (Personal Responsibility, Systemic Failure, Neutral), Proposed Solutions (Shortterm Aids, Long-term Strategies, No Solution Proposed), and Causes of Homelessness (Health, Social, Housing, Economics, and Other). Visual representation within the articles was also coded, focusing on the presence and type of photos (No Picture, Homeless Person or Setup, Government Authority or Building, Community Members or Place).

To ensure the reliability of the coding process, two independent coders analyzed the entire set of articles, achieving an intercoder reliability of 93%. This high level of agreement between coders indicates the robustness of the analytical framework and the consistency of the coding process across the sample.

Results

Systemic failure was frequently cited across most articles, with higher occurrences in articles from cities with high homelessness rates (92%) compared to cities with lower rates (83%), indicating broad acknowledgment of structural issues in both groups. Personal responsibility received less emphasis in both groups, only (8%) in cities with lower rates and no mentions in articles from high-rate cities. The focus was on long-term solutions (75% in highrate cities and 66.67% in low-rate cities). 41.67% of articles from high homelessness rate and 58.33% of low-rate city articles proposed both short and long-term solutions. Economic and housing issues were highlighted as leading causes, mentioned more in high-rate areas (58.33% for economic, 75% for housing) versus low-rate areas (41.67% for economic, 58.33% for housing A total of 12.5% of the articles explored homelessness causes falling into the ‘other’ category. Visual representation of individuals suffering homelessness or settings of homelessness was common (75% in high-rate and 66.67% in low-rate cities) via Images in the articles. The representation of community members and community places was twice as prevalent in cities with higher homelessness rates.

Discussion

This study delves into the portrayal of homelessness across Canadian newspapers, uncovering a consistent narrative that emphasizes systemic failures as the root cause, in line with

Framing Theory (Entman, 1993) and supported by findings from Chong & Druckman (2007) and Young & Craig (2014). Highlighting the role of media in shaping public understanding, the research aligns with Agenda-Setting Theory (McCombs & Shaw, 1972), as it points out the media’s focus on long-term, strategic solutions, particularly in cities with higher homelessness rates, a perspective reinforced by Soroka (2014). Notably, the media’s careful avoidance of attributing homelessness to personal failings, as observed by Tompkins (2016), suggests a deliberate effort to foster empathy and encourage policy dialogue. Furthermore, the inclusion of humanizing stories and an emphasis on economic and housing solutions reflect a nuanced approach to addressing homelessness, emphasizing the critical influence of local media in promoting a comprehensive and empathetic response to this complex social issue.

Limitations

The following are the study’s limitations. It may not adequately represent the diversity of media narratives or address new developments in the coverage of homelessness because it is limited to a selection of 24 newspaper articles from six provinces. The approach of grouping cities according to their rates of homelessness oversimplifies a complicated problem and might miss important regional considerations. Furthermore, choosing stories from newspapers exposes you to selection bias, and categorizing narrative framing could oversimplify the conversation about homelessness. The study’s scope, which excludes non-public media and internal editorial influences, and the coding process, which is susceptible to interpretation bias, further restrict the depth of analysis. More media sources, longitudinal studies, and direct interaction with media professionals could all help future research better understand how homelessness is portrayed and how it affects public perception and policy.

Implications, Recommendations, and Conclusion

The findings of this research highlight how important the media is in shaping public opinion and policy in Canada regarding homelessness. They also present a nuanced portrayal of the issue that favors systemic rather than personal causes, especially in areas where homelessness is more prevalent. This highlights the need of a more thorough and systemic approach to homelessness on the part of policymakers, community organizations such as United Way Niagara, and other Canadian social programs. These stakeholders can create targeted, efficient strategies that address the underlying causes of homelessness, such as economic disparities and inadequate housing, by concentrating on long-term solutions and taking regional specificities into account. Indigenous perspectives must be included because they highlight the larger problems of colonialism, systematic racism, and displacement that lead to homelessness.

Policy makers, community organizations, and the Canadian government are urged to become more media literate and involved to effectively utilize these insights and promote a more sympathetic and knowledgeable public conversation about homelessness. Encouraging journalism that focuses on solutions can be crucial in this regard, as it can draw attention to both the problems and the creative solutions and success stories that exist within communities. This strategy can boost public support and engagement in the fight against homelessness, resulting in better-informed policy creation and neighborhood support programs. In conclusion, this research suggests that media outlets, legislators, and community organizations work together to address homelessness in a way that is compassionate and aware of the diverse realities of individuals impacted, ultimately leading to more long-lasting and successful solutions.

References

Chong, D., & Druckman, J. N. (2007). Framing Theory. Annual Review of Political Science, 10, 103-126.

Entman, R. M. (1993). Framing: Toward Clarification of a Fractured Paradigm. Journal of Communication, 43(4), 51-58.

Loreto, N. (2020). Engaging Communities through Solutions-Oriented Journalism: A Case Study of Homelessness Coverage in Vancouver. Canadian Journal of Communication, 45(3).

McCombs, M. E., & Shaw, D. L. (1972). The Agenda-Setting Function of Mass Media. Public Opinion Quarterly, 36(2), 176-187.

Smith, A. & Lee, R. (2010). The role of media in shaping public perceptions of homelessness.

Journal of Social Issues, 66(3), 123-139.

Soroka, S. (2014). Negativity in Democratic Politics: Causes and Consequences. Cambridge University Press.

Thistle, J. (2017). Indigenous Definition of Homelessness in Canada. Homeless Hub.

Tompkins, L. (2016). Media Influence on Policy, Public Opinion, and Candidate Visibility.

Public Opinion Quarterly.

Young, N. R., & Craig, W. J. (2014). Local Newspapers and Local Governments: The

Relationship Between News Coverage and Municipal Accountability in Canada. Canadian Journal of Communication, 39(4).

Appendix 1

Definitions

Homelessness: The condition of lacking stable, permanent, and appropriate housing. The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness defines homelessness as the situation of an individual, family, or community without stable, safe, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means, and ability of acquiring it.

Framing Theory (Entman, 1993): A theory suggesting that how information is presented to the audience (called “the frame”) influences the choices people make about how to process that information. Frames highlight certain events and aspects, shaping our perception of reality.

Agenda-Setting Theory (McCombs & Shaw, 1972): A theory in mass communication that posits that the media has the ability to influence the importance placed on the topics of the public agenda. That is, if a news item is covered frequently and prominently, the audience will regard the issue as more important.

Systemic Failure: Refers to the breakdown or failure of an entire system, rather than a single component within the system. In the context of homelessness, it points to societal and institutional structures failing to provide adequate support, resources, or policies to prevent or resolve homelessness.

Personal Responsibility: The idea that individuals are responsible for their own actions and well-being. In the context of homelessness, it implies that homelessness is a result of personal choices or actions, overlooking systemic factors.

Long-term Solutions: Strategies or interventions designed to address the root causes of homelessness, aiming for permanent and sustainable outcomes. Examples include affordable housing initiatives, comprehensive health services, and employment programs.

Short-term Aids: Immediate, often temporary, measures to alleviate the conditions of homelessness without addressing its root causes. Examples include emergency shelter services, food programs, and temporary housing.

Indigenous Homelessness: A condition affecting Indigenous people that results from alienation from their land, culture, and community. It encompasses more than the lack of physical housing but includes factors such as community disintegration and a sense of cultural dislocation.

Solutions-Oriented Journalism: An approach to journalism that focuses on the responses to social issues, including an examination of what works and why, aiming to present potential solutions rather than merely highlighting problems.

Visual Representation: The depiction of subjects or themes through images or visual media. In the context of homelessness coverage, it refers to the portrayal of homelessness through photographs or other visual elements in news media.

Appendix 2