Human interest features are news stories that focus on people or pets and aim to evoke emotion in the reader or viewer. They tell compelling stories about individuals, their challenges, achievements, or unique experiences.
Understanding Human Interest Features
Human interest stories differ from hard news, which typically focuses on facts and events, by prioritizing the emotional impact on the audience. They delve into personal experiences to create a connection between the subject and the reader/viewer. These stories often explore themes of resilience, compassion, overcoming adversity, or celebrating ordinary moments.
Key Characteristics:
- Emotional Appeal: They aim to evoke feelings such as sympathy, joy, sadness, or inspiration.
- Focus on Individuals: The narrative centers around specific people or animals rather than broad issues.
- Relatability: The stories often highlight experiences that resonate with a wide audience.
- Soft News: They fall under the category of soft news, prioritizing entertainment and engagement over strict factual reporting.
Examples of Human Interest Features:
- A story about a local community rallying to support a family who lost their home in a fire.
- An article highlighting the achievements of a young athlete who overcame significant disabilities.
- A feature on a rescued animal that has become a therapy pet, providing comfort to patients in a hospital.
- A profile of an elderly individual who has dedicated their life to volunteer work.
Purpose of Human Interest Features:
- To connect with audiences on an emotional level.
- To provide a break from hard news and offer more relatable content.
- To highlight the human side of important issues.
- To inspire and motivate readers/viewers.
By focusing on individual experiences and emotions, human interest features provide a powerful way to connect with audiences and create a more engaging news experience.
