A news feature is a journalistic article that explores a topic in more depth than a standard news story. These articles are used in a variety of media, including newspapers, magazines, and online. They are often more subjective, informative, or engaging than news stories and can take on a lighter tone.
Typically found in the main news or “A” section of a newspaper, a news feature takes an existing news story and adds storytelling techniques to give it more depth and captivate the reader. For example, a news feature on a local drug epidemic may include arrest statistics from the police department, treatment statistics from area hospitals, and interviews with addicts and doctors to create an in-depth, personal story.
In addition to in-depth research, a news feature allows for a more subjective tone. Writers can use quotes and anecdotes to illustrate their points of view, but they should be careful not to overuse these elements or their story will lose its authenticity. A news feature also has the space to incorporate visuals and other elements like video and maps, allowing for a more immersive experience for the reader.
When writing a news feature, it is important to be prepared for lengthy interviews and to work under tight deadlines. It is also a good idea to let someone else read the article before it goes to print in order to catch any errors or omissions. It is also a good idea for writers to reach out to potential sources early and often. If a source does not respond or is uninterested, be politely persistent and explain why your story is important to readers.
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