1.4 The Role of Feature Writing in Journalism

Feature writing goes beyond basic facts, offering depth and human interest to journalism. It provides context, explores implications, and brings stories to life through vivid descriptions and character profiles, engaging readers on a personal level.

This form of journalism complements hard news by offering in-depth analysis and diverse perspectives. It allows for nuanced exploration of complex topics, combining timeliness with depth to create a more comprehensive and engaging media landscape.

Feature writing's value

Providing depth, context, and human interest

Top images from around the web for Providing depth, context, and human interest

• 

  Rhetorical Context | Writing Skills Lab View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  1.3 Understanding the Rhetorical Situation – Technical Writing Essentials View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Rhetorical Context | Writing Skills Lab View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Rhetorical Context | Writing Skills Lab View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  1.3 Understanding the Rhetorical Situation – Technical Writing Essentials View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Providing depth, context, and human interest

• 

  Rhetorical Context | Writing Skills Lab View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  1.3 Understanding the Rhetorical Situation – Technical Writing Essentials View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Rhetorical Context | Writing Skills Lab View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Rhetorical Context | Writing Skills Lab View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  1.3 Understanding the Rhetorical Situation – Technical Writing Essentials View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Goes beyond basic facts to offer comprehensive and nuanced perspectives on events, issues, and people
• Focuses on the human element and personal stories, adding emotional resonance to journalism
• Provides background information, historical context, and expert analysis, helping readers better understand complex topics and current events
• Brings stories to life through vivid descriptions, anecdotes, and character profiles, engaging readers on a personal level
• Explores the broader implications and long-term consequences of news events, providing a more complete picture of their significance

Enhancing the overall journalism landscape

• Complements hard news reporting by providing a more in-depth and reflective look at the stories behind the headlines
• Builds upon the foundation of hard news reporting, offering additional insights, perspectives, and analysis that enrich readers' understanding
• Combines the timeliness of hard news with the depth and context of feature writing, creating a more comprehensive and engaging media landscape
• Allows for a greater diversity of voices and viewpoints by including interviews with a wide range of sources and experts
• Provides space for journalists to explore complex topics in greater detail and present a more nuanced and balanced view of the issues

Feature writing vs hard news

Focus and format differences

• Hard news reporting focuses on immediate facts and details of breaking events, while feature writing provides a more in-depth and reflective look
• Feature articles often build upon the foundation of hard news reporting, offering additional insights, perspectives, and analysis
• The longer format of feature articles allows for a more detailed exploration of complex topics and a more nuanced presentation of issues
• Feature writing employs narrative techniques, such as character development, dialogue, and scene-setting, to create a more immersive reading experience

Complementary roles in journalism

• The combination of hard news and feature writing creates a more comprehensive and engaging media landscape
• Hard news provides the essential facts and updates, while feature writing adds depth, context, and human interest
• Feature writing allows for a greater diversity of voices and viewpoints, enriching the overall journalism landscape
• The interplay between hard news and feature writing helps readers gain a more complete understanding of events and issues

Feature writing's impact on readers

Informing and educating

• Tackles important social, cultural, and political issues, providing readers with valuable insights and information
• Helps shape readers' understanding of the world by offering in-depth analysis and commentary
• Provides context and nuance, helping readers better comprehend complex topics and current events
• Includes a mix of informative and entertaining elements, such as humor and creative wordplay, to keep readers engaged

Engaging and entertaining

• Employs compelling storytelling and vivid descriptions to keep readers engaged with the subject matter
• Uses narrative techniques, such as character development and dialogue, to create a more immersive and emotionally engaging reading experience
• Highlights human stories and personal experiences, fostering empathy and connection between readers and the subjects of the articles
• Incorporates entertaining elements, such as humor and irony, to maintain reader interest and engagement

Feature writing's influence on society

Shaping public opinion and raising awareness

• Plays a significant role in shaping public opinion on important social, political, and cultural issues through in-depth analysis and commentary
• Raises awareness of underreported stories and gives voice to marginalized communities, inspiring action for change
• Explores the human impact of policy decisions and social trends, helping readers understand the real-world consequences
• Counters stereotypes, challenges assumptions, and promotes a more informed and empathetic public discourse

Documenting cultural trends and driving progress

• Serves as a barometer of cultural trends and attitudes, documenting the evolving values, beliefs, and experiences of a society over time
• Sparks conversations and debates around important issues, contributing to a more engaged and informed citizenry
• Helps drive social and cultural progress by raising awareness, promoting understanding, and inspiring action
• Provides a historical record of the significant events, issues, and experiences that shape a society's development