The news feature is a type of news story that goes beyond the facts to offer analysis and commentary. In print and broadcasting, a news feature is also known as a profile or documentary.
It’s important to think about your audience when writing a news feature, especially as it will affect how you produce it. Keep them in mind throughout the planning, production and scheduling process. A well-written news feature that doesn’t appeal to your audience isn’t worth reading or listening to.
When doing a news feature, you should also consider your studio and editing suite availability. Ensure that the space you’re using is big enough for the number of interviews you’ll be conducting, and that you have all the equipment you need to make high-quality audio and visuals.
A good news feature should have a strong story arc, or narrative structure. This includes a beginning, middle and end, or “kicker,” that helps keep listeners and readers engaged in the subject. It’s also important to provide your audience with plenty of background information on the topic you’re covering, including any relevant history or background information they may need to understand the issue at hand.
When writing a news feature, it’s helpful to include large-scale statistics that show how your local topic affects the larger community. For example, if your story is about the rise in homelessness in your city, interview someone from the government who can provide you with data on that particular issue.