A news feature is a non-fiction piece of journalism that explores a particular topic and often takes an emotional approach. You’ll find them in magazines and newspapers, but they’re different from a news report. News reports focus on facts and provide objective information. A feature article can evoke emotions or sympathy, encourage action or change.
News articles are typically written under a tight deadline and aim to deliver the “who, what, where, when, and why” quickly and accurately. This type of writing requires a clear, concise style with plenty of white space to trim less important information as needed.
While news stories can play an important PR role, they’re best suited for breaking or urgent events. When there’s nothing significant or fast-moving, turning to a news feature can confuse and erode your audience’s trust. That’s why knowing the difference between a news story and a news feature is so important.