A news feature is an in-depth report on a niche topic that offers readers a behind the scenes look at what’s happening. The article uses interviews, surveys, storytelling and sensory details to provide a fuller picture of the topic. It could be on a recent or an evergreen subject, as long as it’s likely to engage the audience.
News features are often based on investigative journalism. This type of reporting is time intensive and requires a great deal of research, interviewing and sifting through information. It also involves confirming and double checking facts. The result is that the story can become quite lengthy and may have a more subjective tone.
Often, a news feature takes on the form of a profile. For example, a newspaper might profile an individual who is a leader in their industry or community. The profile can include their personal history and a brief description of what they do professionally.
Another popular form of a news feature is an analysis. It might be a piece that provides a comparison of two trends in the market or a business sector. The piece is meant to explain the complexities of the trends, helping readers to understand why they are important or not.
Occasionally, a news feature might predict future events. Such articles should be handled with care, as they can make newspapers look foolish if they are unfounded. Carefully analyzing past trends and current information, however, can be an effective method of prediction.