Feature stories are an essential element of broadcast journalism, offering audiences in Kenya a deeper, more engaging perspective beyond the immediacy of news bulletins. They allow journalists to explore human interest, culture, social issues, and trends with nuance and creativity. Understanding the various types of feature stories equips journalists to select the most appropriate style that resonates with their audience, whether on radio, television, or digital platforms. This chapter focuses on categorizing feature stories to enable broadcast professionals to craft compelling narratives that inform, entertain, and inspire.

2.1 Types of Feature Stories

Feature stories in broadcast journalism come in diverse forms, each with unique characteristics and objectives. Kenyan journalists working in media outlets such as county radio stations, national TV channels, and online news portals must master these types to fulfill varied editorial needs. From profiles of inspiring individuals to explorations of societal challenges, the choice of feature type shapes how the story connects with listeners or viewers.

2.1.1 Human Interest Features

Human interest features focus on the experiences, emotions, and personal stories of individuals or groups that evoke empathy and connection from the audience. These stories often highlight ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances or celebrating notable achievements, providing a window into the human condition.

Characteristics of Human Interest Features

• Emotional Appeal: These stories aim to trigger feelings such as compassion, hope, or inspiration by presenting relatable personal narratives.
• Narrative Style: They use storytelling techniques such as vivid descriptions and direct quotes to bring characters and events to life.
• Focus on Individuals or Communities: The story centers on people rather than abstract issues or statistics.
• Timelessness: Unlike breaking news, human interest features can be relevant regardless of immediate news cycles.
• Visual and Audio Elements: In broadcast, these features often include interviews, ambient sounds, and imagery to enhance emotional impact.

Human interest features have a strong place in Kenyan media, where stories of resilience and community spirit, such as a farmer innovating to improve yields in Kisumu or a teacher transforming a rural school in Machakos, resonate deeply with audiences.

2.1.2 Profile Features

Profile features provide an in-depth look at a person, organization, or institution, revealing their background, motivations, and influence. These features help audiences understand the subject’s character, role, and significance within a broader context.

Elements of Profile Features

• Comprehensive Background: Includes biographical information and career milestones.
• Insight into Personality: Highlights traits, values, and behaviors through interviews and anecdotes.
• Contextual Relevance: Connects the subject’s story to larger social, economic, or political issues.
• Balanced Perspective: Presents achievements alongside challenges or controversies.
• Engaging Structure: Uses a narrative arc that maintains audience interest through pacing and detail.

A profile feature on a health worker spearheading HIV awareness campaigns in a Nairobi slum or a county official championing environmental conservation in Laikipia can provide audiences with nuanced understanding and appreciation of these figures’ contributions.

2.1.3 Investigative Features

Investigative features delve deeply into issues of public interest, often exposing wrongdoing, corruption, or systemic problems. They require extensive research, verification, and ethical sensitivity, and they play a critical role in holding power to account in Kenya’s democratic landscape.

Key Characteristics of Investigative Features

• In-depth Research: Utilizes documents, data analysis, and multiple sources to uncover hidden facts.
• Public Interest Focus: Addresses issues that affect the welfare or rights of citizens.
• Evidence-based Reporting: Relies on verified information to support claims.
• Narrative and Analytical Blend: Combines storytelling with explanation of complex systems or policies.
• Risk and Ethical Considerations: Journalists must navigate legal, safety, and ethical challenges.

Investigative features on topics like misuse of public funds in county governments or environmental degradation linked to unregulated mining in Western Kenya highlight the watchdog role of broadcast journalism.

2.1.4 Trend and Lifestyle Features

Trend and lifestyle features explore current movements, cultural phenomena, or everyday practices that reflect societal changes. These stories often appeal to younger or urban audiences interested in fashion, technology, health, or leisure.

Characteristics of Trend and Lifestyle Features

• Timeliness and Relevance: Focuses on contemporary topics gaining popularity or attention.
• Informal and Conversational Tone: Engages audiences with accessible language and relatable content.
• Visual and Audio Richness: Utilizes visuals, music, and sound effects to create an immersive experience.
• Consumer Orientation: Often provides tips, advice, or reviews relevant to viewers’ lifestyles.
• Cultural Reflection: Highlights how trends shape identity and social behaviour.

Broadcast journalists in Kenya might produce features on the rise of mobile money usage in rural areas, new health and wellness practices in Nairobi, or emerging local fashion designers gaining international recognition.

Chapter Summary

This chapter explored various types of feature stories, highlighting how each serves unique purposes and audiences. It detailed the process of writing different features, emphasizing planning, research, and structuring to engage readers effectively. The language of features was examined, focusing on style, tone, and clarity to enhance readability and impact. Special features were discussed as distinct formats that require creative approaches to content and presentation. Broadcast features exercises provided practical insights into adapting stories for audio and visual media. Newspaper features were analyzed for their role in informing and entertaining the public through print journalism. The chapter also covered editorial opinions, explaining their function in shaping public discourse through persuasive argumentation. Finally, opinion columns and reviews were described as platforms for personal viewpoints and critical evaluation, adding depth and diversity to media content.