Lead

Definition

In journalism, a lead is the opening sentence or paragraph of a news story that summarizes the main point or most important information. A strong lead grabs the reader's attention and provides a clear understanding of what the article will cover, making it essential for effective storytelling. The lead sets the tone for the rest of the piece, encouraging readers to continue engaging with the content.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Leads can vary in style, from straightforward summaries to more creative hooks, depending on the type of story being told.
2. In sports journalism, leads often highlight key moments, player performances, or game outcomes to quickly inform readers about what happened.
3. Using a strong lead is crucial in breaking news stories as it needs to convey urgency and importance right from the start.
4. An effective lead should ideally be concise, typically no more than 30 words, and answer essential questions like who, what, when, where, and why.
5. Leads are critical in structuring news articles because they not only summarize but also guide readers through the rest of the content, following the inverted pyramid style.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of a lead influence reader engagement in a news article?
  • The structure of a lead is essential for capturing reader engagement because it serves as the initial point of connection between the reader and the story. A well-crafted lead provides essential details that pique interest while establishing context and relevance. If the lead is compelling and informative, readers are more likely to continue reading to learn more about the details presented in the article.
• Discuss how leads are tailored differently in sports journalism compared to other types of news reporting.
  • In sports journalism, leads are often tailored to emphasize action, excitement, and key player performances, capturing the emotional highs and lows of events. This differs from other types of news reporting where leads may focus more on factual summaries or broader implications. The immediacy and drama inherent in sports stories require leads that draw readers in with a sense of urgency and importance related to the event being reported.
• Evaluate the role of a lead in developing a narrative within a longer news story. How does it set up expectations for what follows?
  • The lead plays a crucial role in developing a narrative within a longer news story by framing expectations for what follows. A strong lead not only summarizes key information but also hints at the broader themes or angles that will be explored later on. This sets up a narrative arc that guides readers through complexities while maintaining their interest. By establishing context and urgency from the outset, an effective lead helps ensure that readers remain engaged with all subsequent details and developments throughout the piece.

Related terms

Nut graf: A paragraph that explains the significance of the story and gives context to the lead, often following the lead in a news article.

Attribution: The identification of the source of information in a news story, often included in the lead to give credibility and context.

Angle: The specific focus or perspective that a reporter takes when covering a story, which influences how the lead is crafted.