A news feature is an article that digs deeper into a topic than you would find in most daily news stories. Often called “profile features” in print media and documentaries on television and radio, they are usually about one particular person and explore their background, character, and interests.
News features may be about trends and fads, like a new fashion look or food craze, the popularity of a tech gadget, or an indie band that is attracting more followers. They can also be about specific events, such as the end of a war or a tragedy that has impacted a community or region.
When writing a news feature, keep your audience in mind throughout the planning and production process. You want your audience to tune in and remember the story, and they won’t do either if the subject matter isn’t interesting.
Whenever possible, support your news feature with large-scale statistics. This gives the reader or listener context and shows that you have a thorough understanding of your topic. For example, if your feature is about a drug epidemic in your city, include arrest statistics from police and treatment numbers from counselors to give the reader a full picture of what’s happening.
When submitting a news feature for consideration for broadcast, be sure to check with the program producer or commissioning editor about length and format. A good tip is to check the archived content of past broadcasts to get a sense of the tone and pace of the program.