Lead

Definition

In journalism, a lead is the opening sentence or paragraph of a news story, summarizing the most important aspects of the story. A strong lead grabs the audience's attention and provides essential information, setting the tone for the rest of the report. It is crucial for both broadcast news writing and the structure of news packages, as it serves to quickly inform viewers about the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the story.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A lead should be concise and typically no more than 25-30 words to maintain audience interest and ensure clarity.
2. Different types of leads exist, including summary leads that summarize key points and feature leads that focus on an interesting angle or anecdote.
3. In broadcast journalism, a lead often includes a hook to engage viewers immediately and may use active voice for greater impact.
4. Strong leads are essential for news packages as they set up the story for viewers and provide context for visuals and interviews that follow.
5. The effectiveness of a lead can determine whether viewers continue watching or reading, making it a critical component in news reporting.

Review Questions

• How does a well-crafted lead impact viewer engagement in broadcast journalism?
  • A well-crafted lead is crucial for viewer engagement as it captures attention right from the start. It summarizes key information while using an engaging hook that piques interest. If viewers find the lead compelling, they are more likely to continue watching the story. This initial impact can set the tone for the entire report and influence how audiences perceive the significance of the news.
• Compare and contrast summary leads and feature leads in terms of their structure and purpose in a news package.
  • Summary leads focus on delivering key facts upfront, providing a quick overview of the story's main elements like who, what, when, where, why, and how. They aim to inform viewers quickly about critical details. In contrast, feature leads often present an interesting angle or anecdote before revealing essential information. They draw viewers in with storytelling elements and create an emotional connection before diving into more straightforward reporting. Both types serve important roles but cater to different aspects of storytelling.
• Evaluate how variations in lead styles can influence the overall effectiveness of a news package in conveying complex stories.
  • Variations in lead styles can significantly influence how effectively a news package conveys complex stories by shaping viewer perceptions and engagement levels. For example, using a compelling feature lead might better connect with audiences on emotional or human-interest levels in intricate narratives. Conversely, a concise summary lead might be more effective when delivering breaking news where urgency and clarity are paramount. The choice of lead can either simplify complicated issues for better understanding or engage audiences through narrative techniques, impacting overall comprehension and retention.

Related terms

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

Soundbite: A short clip from an interview or speech used in broadcast journalism that encapsulates key points or emotions related to the story.

NAT Sound: Natural sound that captures the ambiance of a scene or event, enhancing storytelling in broadcast news.