A news feature is a special report about an event or subject that is not covered in everyday news. It is often more relaxed in tone and format and may contain fewer elements than a news story. It is also not necessarily factual and can be more creative.
Having the right subject for your news feature is important. It should be interesting to your audience. This is why your research is essential to finding a suitable story. You should check the library, the Internet and experts for previous news coverage or background material. If you are interviewing people for your feature, ask if they have any other information or opinions that can add to the story. A good narrator can also help make a news feature. He or she can help create an atmosphere or mood, which can be important for some kinds of news features. For example, music can reinforce the mood of a serious feature by creating tension and excitement. It can also be used to make a light news feature more cheerful by creating a positive or happy mood.
As with all radio and television broadcasts, your audience must come first. This should be at the front of your mind throughout the planning, preparation and production process. In a feature, it is even more important to keep your audience’s interest. A long news feature that does not change pace, tone or emotion will quickly bore listeners and viewers. To prevent this, plan your story structure with a’story arc’ in mind (also known as a narrative arc).