A news feature is a piece of journalism that examines a topic or event from a more in-depth and subjective perspective. It often takes a narrative approach, and can be either lighthearted or serious. In addition to their ability to entertain, news features also have the potential to generate press outside of the traditional advertising space.
The main difference between a news story and a news feature is timeliness. A news story is typically based on current events that are happening now or shortly in the future. As such, it needs to convey the key information about a newsworthy event quickly and concisely.
For example, if you’re writing about crime in your community, your article should focus on a particular type of crime and provide concrete data about its prevalence in your area. This information can be gathered through anecdotes or interviews with local experts, like a criminologist or police officer.
By contrast, a news feature can take a more analytical approach and cover an issue from multiple perspectives. For example, a news feature on women in Chinese propaganda might explore the ties between how the Communist Party depicted its women and their cultural products, such as operas and plays. This approach can help you to elicit a greater emotional response from your audience and draw more attention to your article. It is also an excellent way to gain credibility with your audience by demonstrating your expertise on a subject.