A news feature is a longer, in-depth article which looks at an issue or event from a new angle. It is an important tool for spicing up a news program, creating a vivid, immersive experience for the audience.
The best news features focus on human stories. Listeners and viewers want to hear about events that have affected their lives in a real way and imagine how they would react if they were in the same situation. Events such as disasters, accidents and crimes are a natural source of news but they can become unremitting, so it is important to balance these with positive stories such as profiles.
Make a list of the people you want to interview (and record). Talent is vital and can make or break a news feature so be realistic about what can actually be achieved. It is also worth asking your station’s regular program producers if they have any preferences as to the kind of people they want to speak with.
It is worth planning for any travel and permissions you will need. For example, if your feature is about someone in the military, it is likely you will need to seek official permission to visit bases or speak with service personnel. This will take time, so be sure to build this into your schedule.
It is often worth writing a draft of the news feature in advance of the deadline. This will allow you to double-check that you haven’t missed any crucial information while also ensuring that the final piece is well polished. This will be especially important if you are unsure about how much the producer or presenter will want to edit the final product.