Feature Story Deconstructed

What’s the difference between a news story and a feature story?

Next-day, Follow-up, Second-Day, News Feature Stories A story that follows a news story. Doesn’t have to be exactly the next day. Often look at the “why” It can be a profile, news feature, trend article, op-ed, graphic, etc.

“North Korea Says It’s Ready to Strike U.S. Aircraft” If this is the news… “North Korea Says It’s Ready to Strike U.S. Aircraft”

“Where would a North Korean air strike hit the U.S.?” This is a feature… “Where would a North Korean air strike hit the U.S.?”

This is also a feature “North Korea Nuclear Threat: Should California Panic?”

If this is the news… “Government May Shut Down if Lawmakers Can’t Agree on Budget by Friday”

“How will regular citizens be affected?” This is a feature… “How will regular citizens be affected?”

“What’s social media saying about potential government shutdown?” This is a feature… “What’s social media saying about potential government shutdown?”

The Follow-up Story Why Prince’s Death Still Feels Unreal a Year Later – April 21, 2017

French elections move to run off between far-right and centrist candidates

Tennis star Serena Williams confirms pregnancy

“Former President Obama steps back into the limelight in first public appearance”

“Free tuition becomes law in New York State”

Assignment: due Thursday 4/27/2016 Find two RECENT hard news stories from a newspaper or news website. (New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Daily News, cnn.com, msnbc, msn.com, yahoo.com news) Jot down the headline, summarize the who, what, when, where. Think of three second-day or follow-up stories that relate to each of your news stories. (6 ideas total) Describe your ideas in two or three sentences; no more. Please type, double-space, include your name. Your ideas must be based on facts; don’t make up stuff! Each of you will discuss one story and your ideas in class then turn in assignment.

Linda Villarosa News and Follow Up Assignment Introduction to Journalism October 27, 2016   Headline: "Clinton's Brooklyn Campaign HQ Evacuated After Suspicious Substance Discovered" NY1.com, 10/22/201 News Story: Hillary Clinton’s Brooklyn campaign headquarters was partially evacuated Friday after an envelope containing a suspicious substance was discovered. Investigators found white powder last night, forcing the evacuation of the 11th floor of the Brooklyn Heights building. Three follow-up ideas:  1. A timeline of what happened: Who discovered the powder, when did that person report it to the police, how did they examine it, do we know what it was, how did Secy Clinton respond etc. 2. A look at other instances of white powder being sent through the mail, as a threat -- including the New York Times receiving anthrax just after 9/11. A discussion of anthrax and other hazardous materials being used as weapons. 3. A follow up interview with other tenants in nearby Brooklyn offices and buildings about how they feel about the threat -- and what it's like to work/live near the presidential candidate's campaign quarters.