Lead

Definition

In journalism, a lead refers to the opening sentence or paragraph of a news story, designed to grab the reader's attention and provide the most essential information. A strong lead effectively summarizes the main points of the article, answering key questions like who, what, where, when, why, and how. It sets the tone for the entire piece and encourages readers to continue engaging with the content.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A good lead can be written in various styles, including summary leads that condense key facts or anecdotal leads that tell a story.
2. Leads should be concise, ideally no more than 25-30 words, to maintain reader interest without overwhelming them with information.
3. The first sentence of a lead often contains the most significant details, prioritizing what is most newsworthy and relevant to the audience.
4. Different types of leads can be used based on the story's nature, including hard news leads for urgent stories and soft news leads for feature pieces.
5. An effective lead can greatly influence a reader's perception of the article and its content, making it a critical element in journalism.

Review Questions

• How does a lead differ from other parts of a news article in terms of structure and purpose?
  • A lead differs from other parts of a news article by being the first section that captures the reader's attention and conveys essential information quickly. While other sections provide supporting details or deeper context, the lead's primary purpose is to summarize the main points and engage readers immediately. It sets up what follows in the article, encouraging continued reading.
• What are some common strategies journalists use when crafting an effective lead for their articles?
  • Journalists often use various strategies when crafting leads, such as employing the inverted pyramid style to prioritize essential facts upfront. They may utilize summary leads to present key information succinctly or anecdotal leads to draw readers in with a relatable story. Additionally, they ensure clarity and brevity while addressing crucial questions like who, what, where, when, why, and how to enhance engagement.
• Evaluate the impact of an effective lead on reader engagement and perception of news stories.
  • An effective lead significantly impacts reader engagement by captivating interest and providing clear insight into what the story entails. A well-crafted lead can enhance perception by framing how readers understand the importance or relevance of the news. If a lead resonates with readers emotionally or intellectually, they are more likely to continue reading and develop a favorable view of the article's content. Therefore, mastering lead writing is vital for journalists aiming to connect with their audience.

Related terms

Inverted Pyramid: A writing style where the most important information is presented at the beginning of the article, followed by supporting details in descending order of importance.

Nut Graph: A paragraph that explains the news value of a story, often placed after the lead to give readers context and a reason to care about the article.

Attribution: The practice of giving credit to sources of information, crucial for transparency and credibility in journalistic writing.