A news feature is a story about the world in which we live, told with the aim of inspiring people to tune in, stay listening and perhaps talk about it to others. It has to be interesting and intriguing, but it also must give listeners a new perspective on an old issue.
This requires research and a unique angle on the topic, but most of all it must engage your audience. This means that you must get them to believe that your story is their story and that it is about them and their lives. In other words you must be able to put yourself in the shoes of your main characters (talent). This is called empathy and a key skill for any journalist.
It also means being able to understand the reasons that your talent makes their decisions, even when you may disagree with them. It’s a skill that takes practice and is sometimes difficult for experienced journalists. Nevertheless, it’s a vital skill to have for a good journalist and for a great news feature.
There are a number of other factors to consider when planning and producing a news feature. These include –
Availability of studios and editing suites. This is especially important if you are not working on an existing program. It is also worth checking with your broadcaster as to how long they want the feature and what format.
Travel costs and production implications. This is particularly the case when you are working with a large cast of talents, as this can significantly increase your overall production cost. It is also worth factoring in a contingency budget as unforeseen events are often unavoidable.