Unlike news stories, which focus on current events and their implications in the future, feature articles are geared toward enduring topics. Whether it’s a profile of a celebrity, a piece on the history of segregation in Detroit, or an article about how to raise children on a farm, a well-crafted news feature can captivate readers from start to finish.
The key to crafting a news feature is in the storytelling: instead of simply recounting facts and figures, a good news feature writer will use techniques such as “show, don’t tell” (e.g., instead of simply telling the reader that Johnny was tired after running up the hill, show them how his legs felt as they pushed him up the incline). News features also use a mix of elements to keep readers engaged, including maps, videos, photos and quotes.
For example, when Arab News wanted to showcase Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, a standard long-form article wasn’t going to cut it. So, they chose to tell the story as a news feature by incorporating historical pictures, video and embedded tweets.
Another great example of a news feature is Sky News’ article on WNBA’s 25th anniversary, which uses a mix of photographs, tweets, quotes and videos to share the legacy of the league from its founding in 1991. The piece ends with a call-to-action, encouraging viewers to follow the league on YouTube and cable television. News features can generate greater interest and credibility for a business enterprise than a PR blast. So, when it comes to getting the word out about your brand, a quality news feature is a surefire way to do so.