Feature articles are a unique form of article that not only informs readers about current events but also provides context. They tend to be more creative than news articles and are not necessarily focused on the most efficient delivery of essential information. Feature articles can take on a variety of forms, from how-to articles to actor and actress profiles, to evaluations of media.
Crime
Crime in news is a topic that interests many people. Although most people are concerned with how laws are broken, others are more interested in unusual events. For example, crime stories are often about people who get something without doing anything wrong. Some people find it interesting to learn how criminals get something they could not otherwise get by working hard for it.
Money
Grady students completed a capstone requirement on Money in the news for a recent class. The course included a unit on reporting personal finance stories. Students submitted their articles for publication through the College Connect program, sponsored by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing (SABEW) and the National Endowment for Financial Education. One of the articles, written by Jeanne Davis, was chosen by SABEW as a top submission.
Timeliness
In the 1840s, the daily news cycle was telegraphic-based. As the technology for transmission increased, news sources learned to modulate the timeliness of their reports. Abraham Lincoln, for example, regulated when important messages would be relayed via telegraph. The president also exploited the telegraph’s ability to flash legislative deliberations across the nation.
Relevance
Relevance is a crucial aspect of news content, and the way in which users perceive news stories determines whether they engage with the content. The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism and the Digital News Project have conducted studies that show that people share news stories that they find relevant. For example, when people want to learn more about politics, they search for relevant news stories.
Exclusivity
Exclusives are a great way to gain exposure. But they can also prove to be time-consuming, especially if you’re negotiating with a new contact. Moreover, many media outlets have lead times, which means you should be aware of when to strike and when not to.
Shareability
The shareability of news is a vital metric for understanding how news stories can impact people’s lives. Stories that have a high shareability are typically more popular and get more attention than those that don’t. For example, stories about coups and celebrities tend to receive more attention than stories about other news topics. To measure shareability, newsrooms can use analytics to measure how widely a news story can be shared. Moreover, exclusive content can be an effective PR strategy, allowing news organizations to control the story and ensure its accuracy.
Impact
News is a powerful tool that can make a difference. Positive news can unite a society and inspire individuals to improve their communities. Meanwhile, negative news can destabilize a nation. Its effects can be felt on many levels: public perception, stress, and tension.