News features typically contain the following elements
A well-researched topic.
An introduction or a lead.
A main body with a clear narrative pattern.
Interviews and/or sound bites.
A conversational writing style.
The topic’s character and personality.
A wrap up that completes the story.
First thing, tell what your feature is about. Do this also in the headline. It is the headline the editor reads when checking the schedule of stories in a feature package.
The lead paragraph [is introduction in radio] should be concise. Try to keep it under 30 words. It requires an element that grabs listeners' attention. It is an element that intrigues, challenges or otherwise spurs the listener to continue.
Facts are implicit to a good story but are best employed one at a time. Use them to emphasize the points with the statements of participants or with experts’ interviews or sound bites
Don't digress. Each sound bite should move the story along; tell a key element of it, back up what you said in the lead and help the story reach its conclusion.To keep it tight and punchy, use simple, declarative sentences.
Intersperse the text with quotes. They are best used to pass along someone's opinion. Attribute quotes and statements to an individual. Identify the person's affiliation or expertise.
Clarity is important. Make every word count. A feature writer is both a reporter and a story teller. A feature writer enjoys telling a good story with the help of sound effects and music.
A well-researched topic.
An introduction or a lead.
A main body with a clear narrative pattern.
Interviews and/or sound bites.
A conversational writing style.
The topic’s character and personality.
A wrap up that completes the story.
First thing, tell what your feature is about. Do this also in the headline. It is the headline the editor reads when checking the schedule of stories in a feature package.
The lead paragraph [is introduction in radio] should be concise. Try to keep it under 30 words. It requires an element that grabs listeners' attention. It is an element that intrigues, challenges or otherwise spurs the listener to continue.
Facts are implicit to a good story but are best employed one at a time. Use them to emphasize the points with the statements of participants or with experts’ interviews or sound bites
Don't digress. Each sound bite should move the story along; tell a key element of it, back up what you said in the lead and help the story reach its conclusion.To keep it tight and punchy, use simple, declarative sentences.
Intersperse the text with quotes. They are best used to pass along someone's opinion. Attribute quotes and statements to an individual. Identify the person's affiliation or expertise.
Clarity is important. Make every word count. A feature writer is both a reporter and a story teller. A feature writer enjoys telling a good story with the help of sound effects and music.