A news feature is a longer, in-depth story which is often presented as a whole segment or program on a radio or television show. It usually includes interviews with the people involved and is intended to inform or entertain the listener or viewer. Unlike a regular news story, there is usually scope for the journalist’s writing style to show through – but this should be kept in check.
The main ingredients of a news feature are human interest, impact and relevance. People love to hear about other people and what they do, so stories with a human angle always attract attention. Even non-human events can be newsworthy if they affect people, for example an explosion on a distant star can become news if it impacts the Earth’s atmosphere.
Relevance is another important factor – the more relevant a story is, the more likely it is to be broadcast. For example, a story about the effects of global warming on local forests would be unlikely to find a home in a local news bulletin, but one on an AIDS prevention project might fit well into a health programme.
It is important to consider the length of a news feature, especially if it will be presented in a radio or TV program. A programme editor will want to ensure that it is not too long or too short, and that it fits into the regular schedule of the program. It is also essential to think about the availability of studios and editing suites (or equivalent facilities), and how many people you will need to interview and record.