A news feature goes beyond the facts to show how a story happened or why an event is significant. It includes research, interviews, analysis and storytelling to grant readers a more in-depth knowledge of the topic.
When planning a news feature, your audience should be at the forefront of your mind all through the process. It is possible to write a story on the cheapest of topics but if you do not treat your audience with care and respect, it will be difficult to hold their attention.
Similarly, you should consider how long your feature will be. It is essential to stick to your allotted word count as if you do not, it may be difficult to find someone willing to broadcast it on their program.
You should also think about how many angles or issues you want to cover in the story. For example, if your feature is about an airline crash, the news angle could be the survival of passengers or how it might have been prevented. The feature angle might then move on to discuss issues like passenger safety, the impact of the crash and the response of rescuers.
As with news stories, when preparing your feature article you should always remember the advice about “showing, not telling.” Instead of saying that Johnny ran up the hill, say that his legs were burning as he forced himself to the top. This technique allows the reader to feel connected and involved with the story and will keep them engaged.
About the Author
