A news feature is an editorial piece that explores a specific topic or issue in more depth than the typical news story. It can have a subjective tone and aim to entertain audiences, while also educating them.
These articles often have a narrative structure, beginning with an anecdote or scene setting and then diving into the main topic. Unlike news stories, which must stick to a strict inverted pyramid format, features allow for a more fluid approach, including the writer’s observations, opinions and analysis.
To keep readers engaged, news feature articles typically use the “show don’t tell” technique. This means they should convey the story through action and imagery, rather than simply describing what is happening. For example, instead of stating that Johnny is tired from running up the hill, the writer will show him gasping for air as he struggles to catch his breath.
A well-written news feature article will conclude with a call to action. For example, an article about a child’s experience of climate change may end with the message to join WaterAid’s fight against it.
News feature articles may be published in a variety of media, from newspapers and magazines to blogs and online video platforms. They can include all types of editorial content, from in-depth profiles of individuals to reports on industry trends.
The key to writing a successful news feature is finding an interesting angle. To do this, think about what interests your audience and what questions they might have about the subject. Getting this right can help you capture their attention from the outset and create an engaging, informative article that will be shared across social media.