Difference between feature story and news story

Feature stories and news stories are two types of journalistic content that serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. Here are the main differences:

News Story:

A news story is a factual report that provides timely and accurate information about a current event, issue, or development. Its primary purpose is to inform readers about what's happening, when it happened, and why it's important. News stories typically:

  1. Focus on the who, what, when, where, and why of a story.
  2. Are written in a straightforward, objective style.
  3. Are often time-sensitive, with a focus on breaking news or developing stories.
  4. May include quotes from sources, such as experts, officials, or individuals affected by the event.
  5. Are usually concise, with a focus on conveying the essential information quickly.

Feature Story:

A feature story, on the other hand, is a more in-depth, narrative piece that explores a topic, issue, or person in greater detail. Its primary purpose is to engage readers, provide context, and offer insights that might not be immediately apparent from a news story. Feature stories typically:

  1. Delve deeper into the "why" behind a story, exploring the context, background, and implications.
  2. Use a more narrative style, with a focus on storytelling and character development.
  3. May include personal anecdotes, interviews, and observations to add depth and nuance.
  4. Often have a more interpretive or analytical tone, offering the writer's perspective or insights.
  5. Can be longer and more detailed than news stories, with a focus on providing a richer understanding of the topic.

Key differences:

In summary, news stories provide timely and factual information about current events, while feature stories offer a more in-depth, narrative exploration of a topic or issue.