A news feature is a longer piece which takes the reader or listener into more detail about an aspect of a particular subject. They are often called documentaries in broadcasting but the name news feature is more commonly used in print journalism. It is important when writing a news feature to balance the depth of the story with the need to provide adequate space for the main news stories of the day. A newspaper which contained only features would be shallow and a radio or television program which had only news would be boring.
A good news feature will begin with a strong lede or introduction which draws the audience in. It should also explain how the article will be structured. The structure of a news feature may include several different sections which link into each other to form a complete picture or narrative. For example, an article which describes a particular sports event or competition will likely have sections on the preparations for the race or the actual event and also interviews with the people involved in the running of the race.
In a news feature the journalist needs to employ the technique known as “show, don’t tell”. This means writing about what is happening rather than simply recounting events. For instance, instead of stating that Johnny was tired after running up the hill you should say how his legs were aching and he had to struggle to catch his breath.
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