A Feature Story

A feature story (also feature article, or simply feature) is a piece of journalistic writing that covers a selected issue in-depth. As such, a feature need not address an immediately topical subject as would be expected of a news story, is usually considerably longer, and may well present an opinionated view. Or perhaps it’s an in-depth look at a social issue -- like violence in Canadian schools or eating disorders among young women. It could also be a story that gives the reader background on a topic that’s in the news -- like a story that explains how land mines work and the history of their use in war. A feature story is usually longer than a news story -- but length is not a requirement! What’s more important is the form the story takes. Think of the feature as the journalistic equivalent of an essay. Follow these guidelines: start with a premise or theme present information and opinions that back your point, bring the reader to a conclusion. The feature often explores several different points of views, even when the story is about one particular person. The news story tells the audience what happened. The feature will tell them why and how it happened, how the people involved are reacting, and what impact the decision is having on other people. Indulge your curiosity -- and that of your readers -- with a profile of an interesting person. You can look at someone who’s making news in your community, province or country. Or it could be someone who's relatively unknown to the public but who has done something unusual or remarkable . Personality in profile Write your profile by telling your readers the facts of this person's life — while adding the color and details that make them unique. Talk to the person themselves whenever possible and use their own words to help tell their story. Many of the best stories come from reporters’ observations of the world around them.

A Feature Story

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Transcript of A Feature Story