When you hear the term “show, don’t tell,” it refers to a technique that helps your writing engage and connect with readers. One way to do this is to use multimedia. When done well, it can make an article much more engaging and interesting than just a text paragraph.
A news feature is a type of article that goes deeper into a specific topic and offers a slant on the story. It’s different from a straight-up news story, which presents newsworthy events and information in a narrative form with plot and story characters.
News features also often have a more subjective tone and offer the writer’s observations and opinions, which can give them more of an emotional connection with the audience. They can explore trends in industries, subjects, or personalities and provide a glimpse into the lives of people.
A good feature article starts with a brief lede that introduces the main point of the story. From there, the main body of the article dives into the subject matter. The body should include a mix of elements, including interviews and quotes. It should also incorporate data and statistics to support the story’s claims, such as arrest numbers from police or treatment outcomes from drug counselors.
For example, NBC News uses an immersive multimedia feature to showcase the history of segregation in Detroit. It also includes a call to action to follow the city’s progress on its journey toward integration. The article is a great example of using “show, don’t tell” to make the topic of segregation relatable and interesting.