and offer a deeper dive into stories, going beyond the surface-level facts of news reporting. These formats allow journalists to explore complex topics, people, and events in-depth, using descriptive language and varied structures to engage readers.
Unlike news reports, features use emotional appeal and human interest elements to make a lasting impact. They require extensive research, careful planning, and skillful execution to craft compelling narratives that balance human stories with , providing context and analysis on important issues.
Feature Writing and Long-form Journalism
News reporting vs feature writing
Top images from around the web for News reporting vs feature writing
Text: The Writing Process | iSucceed College Success View original
Is this image relevant?
Types of Reading Material | Basic Reading and Writing View original
Is this image relevant?
2.3 Writing To Persuade – Technical Writing Essentials View original
Is this image relevant?
Text: The Writing Process | iSucceed College Success View original
Is this image relevant?
Types of Reading Material | Basic Reading and Writing View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for News reporting vs feature writing
Text: The Writing Process | iSucceed College Success View original
Is this image relevant?
Types of Reading Material | Basic Reading and Writing View original
Is this image relevant?
2.3 Writing To Persuade – Technical Writing Essentials View original
Is this image relevant?
Text: The Writing Process | iSucceed College Success View original
Is this image relevant?
Types of Reading Material | Basic Reading and Writing View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
News reporting delivers timely, objective facts about current events in a concise, inverted pyramid structure (5 Ws and H)
Feature writing explores topics, people, or events in-depth using descriptive, narrative language and varied structures (profiles, human interest stories)
News focuses on immediate relevance while features cover timeless subjects providing context, background, and analysis
Features use emotional appeal and human interest elements (anecdotes, ) to engage readers and make a lasting impact
Planning: Determine story angle and focus, outline key points and structure, schedule interviews, gather necessary resources (visuals, data)
Execution:
Conduct interviews, gather quotes, and collect supporting evidence
Write an and that hooks readers
Incorporate facts, analysis, and human interest elements seamlessly
Edit for clarity, coherence, and impact, ensuring a logical flow of ideas
Crafting engaging feature articles
Human interest elements: Include compelling characters, personal stories, , and (sight, sound, smell) to create an emotional connection with readers
Factual information: Integrate accurate data, statistics, quotes, historical context, and expert insights to provide a solid foundation of credibility
: Interweave human stories with factual information using anecdotes and examples to illustrate larger points and provide analysis and interpretation to give meaning to facts
Impact of long-form journalism
allows for thorough exploration of multifaceted topics (politics, social issues), providing context, nuance, and multiple perspectives to help readers understand complex issues beyond surface-level facts
Raises awareness and sparks conversations about important issues (inequality, climate change), influences public opinion and policy decisions, encourages critical thinking and informed debate
expose corruption or injustice (Watergate scandal), narrative features humanize social issues or marginalized communities (homelessness, refugees), explanatory pieces break down complex topics (global economy, scientific discoveries)
Ethical Considerations and Best Practices
Adhering to ethical standards
Accuracy and : Verify information from multiple sources, correct errors promptly and transparently to maintain credibility
Fairness and balance: Present multiple perspectives and viewpoints, give subjects opportunity to respond to criticism or allegations to avoid bias
Transparency and disclosure: Disclose conflicts of interest or personal biases, attribute information to sources, credit other journalists' work to ensure honesty
: Handle sensitive topics (trauma, grief) and vulnerable sources with care, minimize harm, consider potential impact on subjects' lives to uphold compassion
Storytelling techniques: Use vivid details and sensory language to immerse readers, employ (exposition, rising action, climax, resolution) and structure to maintain engagement, experiment with creative formats (, multimedia elements) to innovate