Feature stories

Definition

Feature stories are in-depth articles or segments that go beyond the standard news reporting to explore a particular topic, event, or individual in a more detailed and engaging way. Unlike hard news, which focuses on the facts of an event, feature stories emphasize storytelling, human interest, and often provide a deeper context to the subject matter. They allow for creativity and can incorporate various narrative techniques to captivate the audience, making them crucial in identifying compelling content for broadcasts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Feature stories often include interviews, personal anecdotes, and descriptive language to create a vivid picture of the topic being discussed.
2. They can be about a variety of subjects, such as profiles of interesting people, explorations of cultural events, or deep dives into social issues.
3. The writing style of feature stories tends to be more relaxed and engaging compared to traditional news articles, allowing for creativity in presentation.
4. These stories are often used to draw attention to underreported issues or perspectives that may not be covered in regular news reports.
5. Feature stories can play a significant role in enhancing a broadcaster's brand by showcasing its unique storytelling ability and commitment to comprehensive journalism.

Review Questions

• How do feature stories differ from traditional news reports in terms of structure and style?
  • Feature stories differ from traditional news reports primarily in their focus and approach. While news reports prioritize factual information and brevity to deliver timely updates, feature stories delve deeper into a subject, allowing for a more narrative-driven structure. This includes the use of storytelling techniques such as character development and emotional engagement, which create a richer reading or viewing experience. As a result, feature stories can capture the audience's attention through engaging narratives rather than just presenting facts.
• Discuss how anchors and presenters can effectively deliver feature stories to engage their audience.
  • Anchors and presenters can engage their audience with feature stories by utilizing effective storytelling techniques during their delivery. This may involve varying their tone and pace to match the story's mood, using visual elements to enhance understanding, and connecting personally with the audience through relatable anecdotes. Additionally, presenters should emphasize key moments within the feature story, drawing viewers' attention to significant details that enhance their emotional connection to the narrative. By doing so, they can create an immersive experience that resonates with viewers.
• Evaluate the impact of feature stories on audience perception of current events compared to standard news coverage.
  • Feature stories have a profound impact on audience perception by providing context and depth that standard news coverage often lacks. By humanizing issues through personal narratives and emotional connections, feature stories can shape how audiences view current events beyond mere statistics or headlines. This deeper understanding fosters empathy and encourages viewers to engage more critically with the issues presented. Consequently, while standard news coverage informs quickly about events, feature stories enrich public discourse by framing those events within broader societal contexts.

Related terms

Human Interest: Stories that focus on the personal experiences and emotional aspects of individuals, appealing to the audience's empathy and curiosity.

Narrative Structure: The organized framework of a story, including elements like plot, characters, and setting, that helps in effectively conveying the message.

Long-form Journalism: A style of journalism that focuses on longer articles, providing in-depth analysis and comprehensive coverage of topics rather than just brief updates.