WATCH: KSAMC hosts annual Christmas feeding programme. 

Detected Manipulations & Suggested Changes

Omission of key information

Leaving out relevant perspectives or contextual facts that would help readers fully understand the situation.

The article only quotes Mayor Andrew Swaby and KSAMC CEO Robert Hill. It does not include: - Any direct quotes or reactions from the homeless people who received the meal. - Any perspectives from independent individuals or organisations who currently feed homeless people on the streets, even though Hill criticises that practice. - Any broader context on homelessness in Kingston (scale of the issue, other initiatives, criticisms or challenges of KSAMC’s approach). Example passages: - "According to Swaby, the initiative has become a customary part of the KSAMC’s activities on Christmas Day. He noted that the response from those who benefited was positive." - "Meanwhile, KSAMC Chief Executive Officer Robert Hill encouraged individuals and organisations who wish to assist the homeless to coordinate their efforts through the corporation. He explained that, on many occasions, independent actors feed homeless people on the streets, which leads to them congregating in major urban areas and exposes them to certain risks." These are presented without any corroborating voices or alternative views.

4 suggestions

Include at least one or two direct quotes from homeless beneficiaries describing their experience of the event, in their own words, to verify and balance the officials’ claims about positive responses.

Add comments from an independent individual or organisation that currently feeds homeless people on the streets, especially in response to Hill’s suggestion that such efforts cause problems, to present their reasoning and any counterarguments.

Provide brief context on homelessness in Kingston (e.g., estimated number of homeless people, existing shelters, ongoing challenges) so readers can understand how significant this programme is relative to the overall need.

Clarify whether there have been any criticisms or concerns about KSAMC’s approach to coordinating assistance, and if so, summarise them and, where possible, include KSAMC’s response.

Unbalanced reporting

Presenting one side’s perspective predominantly while giving little or no space to other relevant sides.

The article frames the KSAMC’s actions and statements positively and exclusively: - It highlights that "More than 400 homeless people were treated to a Christmas dinner" and that "the response from those who benefited was positive" without any independent verification. - It presents Robert Hill’s critique of independent feeding efforts (causing congregation, risks, garbage, conflicts) without any response from those independent actors or from homeless people themselves. As a result, the KSAMC’s institutional perspective dominates, and the homeless beneficiaries and independent helpers are effectively spoken for rather than heard from.

3 suggestions

After quoting Hill’s concerns about independent feeding efforts, add a paragraph summarising how some independent groups view their work (e.g., why they operate outside KSAMC structures, any benefits they see) and, if possible, include a direct quote.

Balance the description of the event by including both positive and any reported negative aspects (e.g., logistical issues, people who did not get served, criticisms if they exist), rather than only positive official assessments.

Explicitly note if attempts were made to reach independent feeders or beneficiaries for comment and whether they declined or were unavailable; this signals an effort toward balance even if quotes are not obtained.

Appeal to authority

Relying on statements from authority figures as sufficient proof, without additional evidence or corroboration.

The article relies entirely on statements from Mayor Swaby and CEO Hill to characterise the event and the broader issue: - "According to Swaby, the initiative has become a customary part of the KSAMC’s activities on Christmas Day. He noted that the response from those who benefited was positive." - "He explained that, on many occasions, independent actors feed homeless people on the streets, which leads to them congregating in major urban areas and exposes them to certain risks." These claims are presented as fact based solely on the authority of the officials, with no data, examples, or independent confirmation.

3 suggestions

When stating that the response was positive, add supporting evidence such as observed reactions, survey results, or direct quotes from beneficiaries, rather than relying only on the mayor’s assertion.

When describing the alleged problems caused by independent feeding (congregation, risks, garbage, conflicts), include concrete examples, data, or references to specific incidents or reports, or clearly frame them as Hill’s perspective (e.g., "Hill said he believes that...").

Where possible, supplement official statements with neutral observations from the reporter (e.g., describing the scene, organisation, and interactions) to provide independent context.