News feature is a non-fiction piece of journalism that covers a specific topic in depth with a focus on storytelling. It’s a creative genre of writing that escapes the inverted pyramid structure of hard news reporting to provide an emotional connection with readers.
While it may seem like a simple concept, the art of writing a news feature requires plenty of research and interviewing skills. As a rule, it’s a good idea to approach potential sources early and often, contacting them at least once per week until you can arrange a time to speak. If they don’t return your calls or are reluctant to talk, be politely persistent and explain why you think they would have valuable information for your story.
When approaching a news feature, it’s crucial to remember that you’re not just writing about a person or event but also about how the topic affects people and society. To convey this, you need to use the “show, don’t tell” technique. For example, rather than stating that Johnny was exhausted after running up the hill, a better way to describe this is to show him with puffed-up cheeks and red and swollen legs.
News features have important roles in journalism and public relations. However, it’s important to know when to use them to ensure your content meets the intended purpose and audience expectations. For example, a breaking news piece can have great PR value, but publishing a story about your company’s innovation when there isn’t anything new or pressing going on can confuse and distract your audience.
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