A news feature is a non-fiction story about an event or person. Unlike breaking news stories, which focus on immediate events, they are often more reflective and delve deeper into a subject.
They also look at trends, patterns, or significant issues, and often use a narrative format to engage readers. Depending on the topic and the approach, news features can range from a simple profile to a lengthy investigation into complex matters.
News feature articles tend to have a longer shelf life than breaking news, as they are often considered “evergreen,” meaning that they will be relevant long after the initial publication date. Moreover, they are less time-sensitive than breaking news, so they have more leeway in terms of length and structure.
As a result, it’s important to spend time researching your story before writing it. Interviewing experts or those directly involved in the subject matter is a great way to get first-hand insights and add depth to your article. It’s also important to include visual elements, such as maps, historical photographs, and videos, which help readers understand your story and connect with it on a deeper level.
When Arab News wanted to showcase Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, they knew that a standard news story wasn’t going to cut it. Instead, they used a mix of immersive and interactive media to tell an unforgettable story that humanized their sources, put readers in the shoes of these incredible places, and gave them an emotional connection with the article’s subjects.