Feature Writing vs News Writing

Feature writing and news writing differ in some important ways. One is not necessarily better than the other. It depends on the writing assignment and topic when considering which type of writing you should use. A feature article is typically longer in length than a news article. Features allow the writer to bring in more emotion and description to the piece. Instead of telling the reader exactly what to think, a feature article will share enough details and context clues that the reader can draw their own conclusions about the topic. A news article will be more likely to paraphrase and get to the point. Feature articles use more quotes and explain the factual significance, while the news article will simply state the facts.

A feature article will sometimes take longer to get to the lede than a news article. The feature weaves a story or sets up the situation that leads to the main point, or lede. A lede in a news article gets right to the point or main idea, whereas a feature can take a more lenient approach to the subject. Features often use multiple angles to view the subject as well. For a news article, there is a pretty standard inverted pyramid style to the writing. A feature can be written with less structure and more of a story-telling format.

As far as which writing is better or worse, I think it depends on the end goal of the piece. If I were trying to convince or persuade my reader of something, I would definitely write a feature piece. If my subject is simply meant to inform and present facts, I would consider writing a news article. Each type of writing has a place to be effective. In my personal writing, I tend to include emotion and like to tell a story. However, if I am writing a piece for the workplace, sharing information, I would write a news article.