Feature stories

Definition

Feature stories are a type of journalism that go beyond breaking news to provide deeper insight, storytelling, and emotional connections with the audience. Unlike traditional news articles that focus on facts and immediate events, feature stories emphasize narrative techniques, human interest angles, and often include in-depth research or interviews. They allow for a more creative and engaging presentation of information, often exploring broader themes or trends related to the news.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Feature stories typically have a more flexible structure compared to hard news articles, allowing for creative storytelling and varied formats.
2. These stories often incorporate descriptive language, vivid imagery, and character development to engage readers on a deeper level.
3. Feature stories can cover a wide range of topics, from profiles of interesting individuals to explorations of social issues, making them versatile in their approach.
4. They usually involve extensive research and interviews, providing context and background that enhances the reader's understanding of the subject matter.
5. While feature stories may include some factual reporting, their primary goal is to entertain, inform, or inspire rather than just report events.

Review Questions

• How do feature stories differ from traditional news articles in terms of structure and content?
  • Feature stories differ from traditional news articles by allowing for a more flexible structure that emphasizes storytelling and emotional engagement. While traditional news focuses on delivering facts quickly and clearly regarding current events, feature stories dive deeper into the narrative behind an event or issue. This allows for richer descriptions, character development, and broader themes, creating a more immersive experience for the reader.
• In what ways do feature stories contribute to the understanding of social issues compared to hard news coverage?
  • Feature stories contribute to the understanding of social issues by providing in-depth analysis and personal perspectives that hard news coverage often lacks. By focusing on individual narratives and experiences, feature stories humanize complex topics and help readers connect emotionally with the subject matter. This approach allows for a more nuanced exploration of issues, highlighting not only the facts but also the human experiences behind them.
• Evaluate how the narrative techniques used in feature stories can enhance the effectiveness of journalistic storytelling.
  • The narrative techniques used in feature stories significantly enhance journalistic storytelling by creating a compelling connection between the reader and the story. Techniques such as character development, vivid imagery, and emotional appeal draw readers into the narrative, allowing them to empathize with the subjects being portrayed. This deeper engagement leads to a better understanding of complex issues, as readers are more likely to reflect on their own emotions and perspectives while experiencing a well-crafted feature story.

Related terms

Human Interest:

Stories that focus on individuals and their experiences, often evoking emotional responses and connecting readers to the human side of an issue.

Narrative Journalism: A style of journalism that uses storytelling techniques to create a compelling narrative while maintaining factual reporting.

Soft News: News that is not time-sensitive and focuses more on entertaining or informative content rather than urgent issues, often including lifestyle and cultural topics.