Feature journalism has become an increasingly dominant part of mainstream news reporting. Existing between the more coldly factual structures of “hard news” and the more personal, entertainment-focused world of “soft news”, it can be a way to engage more audiences, but may also contribute to a more commercialised press.
The nature of feature journalism
You may learn about feature journalism when studying for a journalism degree at an institution like //schoolofjournalism.co.uk/. It cannot be categorised as falling into one genre or another. It can cover individuals, groups, communities, industries or society as a whole, and often combines facts with an element of subjectivity.
There is often a sense of intimacy about feature journalism, as it allows for more detailed explorations of topics, including personal elements and human interest stories. Feature journalism is more literary than other forms of journalism, with a focus on narrative, storytelling and the overall writing quality.
Why feature journalism is important
A feature story allows a journalist to explore their chosen topic in more depth, including the “how” and “why” as well as the “what”, in part because it is not time sensitive and in part because it goes beyond objective fact and appeals to emotion. Where other journalism may be strictly informative, feature journalism is often entertaining and may engage a wider audience. This can help bring attention to important topics or reframe popular understanding.
Different types of journalism all have a role to play in engaging and informing audiences, and that includes feature journalism. First, however, you need to understand the conventions that define this style of reporting.