A featured story is a nonfiction news article that goes beyond the facts to weave in a narrative and tell a complete story. They’re often less objective than a straight news story, but they should be truthful and based on solid research. The best feature stories will keep readers’ attention until the end and leave them with a memorable impression.
The key to a good feature story is a compelling headline. It should pack a punch or set up a question that readers want your story to answer. Then, once you’ve hooked your readers, keep them hooked by telling an interesting and well-rounded story. Whether you’re diving into a human-interest piece or unpacking a complex issue, you can use these tips to write a featured story that will captivate your readers from start to finish.
Choosing an angle
A good feature story begins with an interesting angle. This can be anything from the emotional turmoil of laid-off workers to the heroism of firefighting citizens. The key is to find an angle that’s different from other angles already out there.
Depending on your audience, you can also opt for a profile or personality feature that’s objective news about a person or a historical feature that takes a look back at an important event. You can even do a how-to feature that offers step-by-step instructions on how to accomplish something.
In this interactive feature, NBC News showcases the racial segregation in Detroit by using a combination of data, visuals, and video interviews with citizens who grew up in segregated neighborhoods. In addition, the story has a compelling title and an intriguing map that makes it easy for readers to explore and engage with the topic.