There are a lot of different types of news stories, including hard news, essays, reports and reviews. But one of the most intriguing types of nonfiction content is a news feature, which goes deeper into a topic by taking on an interesting angle or slant.
When writing a news feature, think about what will interest your audience. This could be anything from a trending topic or subject to a specific personality or issue. Then focus on that area to pick a story idea. You can then hone in on your angle by researching to find a unique way of covering the topic.
As you research your topic, make sure that you include any statistics that will help validate your article. If you are writing about a drug epidemic in your community, for example, interview police and counselors to get their perspective. You can also cite large-scale data, like arrest numbers or drug treatment statistics from across the nation.
A news feature is often more emotionally driven than a hard news story. For this reason, it is important to use literary and rhetorical techniques that engage the reader. For example, using second-person language and rhetorical questions to create intrigue can help readers connect with the story. Then, use anecdotes and imagery to bring your story to life. You can even use video to showcase an event or interview a source in a more immersive way. For example, NBC News used an interactive and immersive feature to showcase how segregation still exists in Detroit today.
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