A news feature is a piece of journalism that tells a story. It may take an in-depth look at a particular topic such as: people, places or issues. It could also focus on a trend, business, sport or even an art form. A news feature will typically be more subjective than a news report. It aims to entertain the audience while providing information.
News features are often published in newspapers, magazines or online. They can be a great way to boost your PR game by connecting with the public in an editorial setting – with built-in credibility. However, it is important to understand the difference between a news feature and a news report. News reports are time-sensitive and focus on events or occurrences that have recently taken place or will happen soon.
A good news article will be structured with a “lead” and “kicker”. The lead will get the reader interested in the story. It should contain quotes and human interest, as well as a short introduction to the topic of the story. The kicker will wrap up the story and help readers remember it.
News articles should be written to be easy reading, with short sentences and paragraphs, simple words, active verbs, personal word choices and transitions, and a variety of interest-building devices such as timelines and personal anecdotes. This makes them an excellent choice for the mass audience, who want to read stories they can relate to and connect with.