While analyzing the data I had collected, a few major themes stood out across each of the media sites. Each site utilized emotion, specifically anger and empathy, to navigate conversations regarding homelessness. These emotions were used to express the feelings of the news site, as well as attempt to sway the reader’s perspective of homelessness. The news sites also framed homelessness around legality, either noting stories of homeless criminals, or discussing homelessness as the crime. A handful of stories aimed to focus on the crimes of a homeless individual, whereas others focused on how homelessness is criminalized and homeless individuals are left to fend for themselves in a worsening climate. Lastly, articles often looked at stories of individuals who overcame homelessness, or focused on efforts to aid people who struggle with being unhoused, showing who they saw as deserving to “escape” homelessness. All of these themes connect to show how news media sites draw readers in for stories, as well as how they treat the discourse surrounding homelessness.
Article Statistics
Among the 20 Fox News articles, there were a total of 9,879 words written.
- Average usage of the term “homeless” per article: 5.55
- Average number of quotes per article: 4.9
- Covid mentioned: 30% of the articles
- Articles with homeless individuals quoted/interviewed: 20%
- Articles within the “U.S.” section of website: 80%
- Repeating authors: Emma Colton: 2, Louis Casiano: 6
Among the 20 Reuters articles, there were a total of 16,669 words written.
- Average usage of the term “homeless” per article: 2.75
- Average number of quotes per article: 7.2
- Covid mentioned: 65% of the articles
- Articles with homeless individuals quoted/interviewed: 25%
- Articles within the “U.S.” section of website: 75%
- Repeating authors: Reuters: 3, Daniel Trotta: 2, Casey L. Biron: 3, Sharon Bernstein: 2
Among the 20 Reuters articles, there were a total of 15,773 words written.
- Average usage of the term “homeless” per article: 4
- Average number of quotes per article: 7.2
- Covid mentioned: 45% of the articles
- Articles with homeless individuals quoted/interviewed: 15%
- Articles within the “U.S.” section of website: 85%
- Repeating authors: Alaa Elassar: 2