Departments › Digital Journalism › Module IV › Feature Stories

Feature Stories

Digital Journalism · Level 6  ·  6 Chapters

Can I download Feature Stories notes as a PDF?

Yes. The notes download as a PDF too: every chapter has a Download PDF button above its notes. Sign in and click it. Each download comes from your plan's monthly allowance or from credits. To read before you sign in, the first topic of every chapter opens to anyone, and a Profplanet plan opens the remaining topics.

▣

What Feature Stories covers

In this unit, you will be able to craft compelling feature stories by identifying and engaging with the right sources, conducting insightful interviews, and gathering rich information both online and on location. You will learn to shape your ideas into well-structured, engaging articles that align with organizational goals, using the appropriate style and language. By the end, you'll confidently bring stories to life that captivate readers and showcase your skills as a thoughtful and professional storyteller.

■

Careers after Feature Stories

Feature stories are powerful tools that bring real-life experiences, challenges, and successes to the public eye. In Kenya, mastering the art of crafting compelling feature stories opens doors to vibrant career paths in media, communications, and community engagement, where your storytelling skills can influence, educate, and inspire.

  • Media Houses and Jua Kali Sector: Skilled feature writers work in TV and radio stations like KBC, Citizen TV, and Radio Maisha, telling stories that resonate with everyday Kenyans. In the bustling jua kali sector, your stories can highlight artisans’ innovations, attracting business and support.
  • County Governments and Public Service: Counties need storytellers to showcase development projects, community programs, and success stories, enhancing transparency and citizen engagement.
  • Corporate Communications at KenGen, KTDA, and Agribusiness Firms: These organizations hire feature writers to produce newsletters, reports, and promotional content that build brand reputation and connect with stakeholders.
  • Matatu Industry and Hospitality Sector: From profiling matatu operators’ entrepreneurial journeys to sharing hospitality success stories, your features can boost tourism and local business.
  • Self-Employment Opportunities: With storytelling skills, you can freelance as a content creator, run a digital media blog, or offer storytelling workshops, earning income while shaping narratives that matter.

Mastering feature storytelling equips you with a versatile skill that not only secures employment but also empowers you to create your own opportunities—telling Kenya’s stories one feature at a time. Your words can spark change and open doors to a fulfilling, impactful career.

Chapters

1
Determine feature story ideas
6 topics
Open chapter →
2
Determine feature article style
9 topics
Open chapter →
3
Research feature stories
5 topics
Open chapter →
4
Interview for feature stories
5 topics
Open chapter →
5
Write feature story
5 topics
Open chapter →
6
Market feature story
4 topics
Open chapter →
What Feature Stories covers: 34 main topics in 6 chapters

1. Determine feature story ideas

  1. 1.1 Meaning of features
  2. 1.2 Nature of feature stories
  3. 1.3 Characteristics of features
  4. 1.4 Sources of feature stories
  5. 1.5 Qualities of a good feature writer
  6. 1.6 Functions of features

2. Determine feature article style

  1. 2.1 Types of feature stories
  2. 2.2 Process of writing different features
  3. 2.3 Language of features
  4. 2.4 Special features
  5. 2.5 Broadcast features
  6. 2.6 Newspaper features
  7. 2.7 Editorial opinions
  8. 2.8 Opinion columns
  9. 2.9 Reviews

3. Research feature stories

  1. 3.1 Factors to consider when researching for features
  2. 3.2 Safety measures when conducting features research
  3. 3.3 Gathering information for features
  4. 3.4 Documenting data and information gathered
  5. 3.5 Topic selection

4. Interview for feature stories

  1. 4.1 Relevance of interview
  2. 4.2 Types of feature interview
  3. 4.3 Location
  4. 4.4 Preparation for the interview
  5. 4.5 Structuring interview questions

5. Write feature story

  1. 5.1 Structure of features
  2. 5.2 Styles for the intro
  3. 5.3 Guidelines for feature leads
  4. 5.4 Feature body and conclusion
  5. 5.5 Functions of a features sub-editor

6. Market feature story

  1. 6.1 Creating teasers, blurbs and standfirsts
  2. 6.2 Broadcast feature promotion clips
  3. 6.3 Print feature promotion ads
  4. 6.4 Talk shows

Revise this unit

Exam-style questions 84 Written to CDACC standard, with answers Test yourself 198 Multiple-choice, one at a time Practise questions 90 Quick recall — check you know the facts
3 more for this unit
Oral exam preparation 50 What the assessor asks, and how to answer out loud Worked calculations Step-by-step maths with the common mistakes Quick cards 986 Myth busters, skill tips and scenarios

Beyond the syllabus

Decision simulator 5 On site, what would you do? Workplace scenarios 61 Real site situations — what would you do? Turn this into income 36 Where this skill earns — what to charge, how to find clients

Other units in Module IV