A news feature is an article in a newspaper or magazine that puts the latest events into perspective, or shows people doing something worthwhile. It may be about an extraordinary person, or it may show something that is a commonplace event but which has an interesting background story. A good news feature puts a human face on the stories which are making headlines and it can also help readers to relate to other things in their lives, such as the environment or the history of a place.
A great topic and a talented writer or presenter will not be enough if the story is not told well. A good news feature will involve the audience, so when planning a news feature your audience should be at the top of the list. They should remain at the front of your mind throughout the planning, recording and production process.
The quality of the sound is vital in a news feature, so check that your microphones are working properly and that you have good quality recordings. A poor quality recording can ruin a whole feature. You should also plan for the availability of the talent which you intend to use. If they are busy or cannot be found you must find alternatives.
A news feature needs to be based on fact, so try to collect as much evidence as possible. This will include anecdotal evidence, such as a policeman saying there is more homelessness in his area, but it should also be backed up with statistics and reports from the experts in the field – for example, criminologists or drug counselors.
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