A news feature combines the writing style of a traditional feature story with hard news reporting. Unlike news articles, which must convey a message clearly and concisely, a news feature has more room for narrative and deeper exploration of the subject matter.
A good news feature will include an engaging lead and a compelling body that draws the reader into the topic. It will also be able to demonstrate its depth through interviews and analysis. Often, the subject of a news feature will be controversial or difficult to understand. A good news feature will make the subject relatable and accessible to readers, while still providing a valuable lesson.
While a news article typically has a direct lead, a feature article’s introduction may take the form of a delayed lead or an anecdote. It will also use second-person language and rhetorical questions to create a relationship with the reader. It will also include a nutgraph that shows the reader the story’s main points.
The body paragraphs of a news feature should show, not tell. This means using words that are short and simple in place of longer, multi-syllable words. It is also important to use active verbs, personalization (e.g., “Johnny was tired after he ran up the hill”) and transitions to keep the story moving forward. A news feature should also contain quotes from experts. They can help bolster the credibility of the article and lend it authority and authenticity.