A news feature is an in-depth exploration of a topic, usually in more depth than is possible within a short news item. It seeks to interest your audience(s) and inspire them to tune in and listen again, to remember it and maybe talk about it – spreading the word.
A good news feature will be based on factual material and interviews, but will also go beyond the bare facts. It will have a theme or ‘news angle’ which explores why the subject is currently of newsworthy importance and what makes it different from other subjects – or indeed other events in that country or region at this time.
When planning a news feature, think first of your audience. Who are you producing it for, and how do you know that they will be interested? The ‘news angle’ must interest your audience(s) and inspire them, but it should be original and not just something they might have heard before.
Also consider the length of your story and, if it is for broadcast, the format of the program into which you are placing it. It may be necessary to listen to previous broadcasts to get a feel for the tone and style of the program and its guests.
Finally, consider travel requirements and costs (especially if you need to record outdoors), and studio or editing suite time. Finally, always plan to finish a news feature well before the scheduled on-air date. This will give you the chance to add those little finishing touches which can make a good piece into a great one!
About the Author
