As a communication expert with a deep understanding of the field of journalism, I can share that a feature in journalism is a type of article that goes beyond the basic reporting of facts. It is a narrative that delves into a topic with depth and detail, often providing a personal perspective or unique angle. Features are meant to engage the reader with a compelling story, human interest, or a behind-the-scenes look at an issue. They are a significant part of the journalistic landscape and can be found in newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets.

**Step 1: Understanding the Feature in Journalism**

The feature article is characterized by several key features:


1. Personal Slant: Features often have a personal touch. The writer may share their own experiences or insights related to the topic, which adds a subjective element to the piece.


2. Individual Style: The writing style in a feature can be more expressive and creative compared to hard news. Journalists use a variety of literary devices, including metaphors, similes, and anecdotes, to make the story more engaging.


3. In-Depth Reporting: Features are known for their thorough research and reporting. They may include interviews, background information, and extensive analysis to provide a comprehensive view of the subject.


4. Human Interest: Many features focus on the human element of a story. They tell the stories of individuals affected by an event or issue, which can help readers connect emotionally with the subject matter.


5. Length: Feature articles are generally longer than news stories. They may span several pages or be broken into multiple parts, allowing for a more detailed exploration of the topic.


6. Variety of Topics: Features can cover a wide range of subjects, from profiles of people to explorations of cultural phenomena, scientific discoveries, or social issues.

7.
Narrative Structure: Features often follow a narrative structure, with a beginning, middle, and end. This structure helps to guide the reader through the story and maintain interest.

8.
Visual Elements: Photos, illustrations, and other visual elements are commonly used in features to enhance the storytelling and provide additional context.

9.
Impact: The goal of a feature is not just to inform but also to inspire, provoke thought, or elicit an emotional response from the reader.

10.
Timeliness and Evergreen: While some features are timely, tied to current events or trends, others are evergreen, meaning they remain relevant and interesting regardless of when they are read.

Step 2: The Main or Most Prominent Story

In the context of a magazine, the main or most prominent story is often a feature. This story is given prime placement, often on the cover or at the beginning of the publication, to attract readers' attention. It is typically the most in-depth and engaging piece in the magazine, showcasing the best of the publication's storytelling capabilities.

The prominence of a feature story can be attributed to several factors:

- Cultural Relevance: The story may be about a current cultural phenomenon or a person who is making headlines.
- Exclusive Access: The magazine may have secured exclusive access to an individual or event, making the story unique and compelling.
- High-Quality Writing: The feature may be written by a well-known journalist or writer, which can draw readers in.
- Visual Appeal: The story may be accompanied by stunning photography or artwork that makes it stand out.

Expanding on the Feature Story

Expanding on a feature story involves several steps:


1. Research: Conducting extensive research to gather all the necessary information about the subject.

2. Interviews: Conducting interviews with key individuals to get firsthand accounts and insights.

3. Outlining: Creating a detailed outline to structure the story and ensure a logical flow of information.

4. Writing: Crafting the narrative with attention to detail, using descriptive language, and incorporating quotes and anecdotes.

5. Editing: Revising the story to ensure clarity, coherence, and accuracy.

6. Fact-Checking: Verifying all the facts and details in the story to maintain journalistic integrity.
7.
Adding Visuals: Working with photographers, illustrators, or designers to include visual elements that enhance the story.

Features are a crucial part of journalism, offering readers a deeper understanding of the world around them. They provide a platform for journalists to showcase their storytelling skills and for readers to engage with the content on a more personal and emotional level.

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a newspaper or magazine article or report of a person, event, an aspect of a major event, or the like, often having a personal slant and written in an individual style. Compare follow-up (def 3b), hard news, news story. 2. the main or most prominent story in a magazine. Expand.read more >>