Lead

Definition

In journalism, a lead refers to the opening sentence or paragraph of a news story that provides the most crucial information and captures the reader's attention. A well-crafted lead sets the stage for the rest of the article, outlining key details such as who, what, where, when, why, and how, and it follows the inverted pyramid structure by placing the most significant information at the beginning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The lead is crucial because it grabs the reader's attention and encourages them to keep reading.
2. Leads can vary in style; they can be straight news leads that deliver information concisely or creative leads that use storytelling techniques.
3. A good lead answers the five Ws (who, what, where, when, why) and sometimes H (how) to provide immediate clarity.
4. Journalists often revise leads multiple times to ensure they convey the essence of the story succinctly and engagingly.
5. Different types of stories may require different lead styles, such as hard news leads for breaking news or feature leads for more narrative-driven stories.

Review Questions

• How does an effective lead contribute to the overall structure of a news story?
  • An effective lead is essential because it summarizes the main points and grabs readers' attention right from the start. By presenting key information in a concise manner, it sets up a framework for how the rest of the story will unfold. This aligns with the inverted pyramid structure, as it ensures that readers understand the most important aspects before diving into supporting details.
• Discuss how different styles of leads might affect reader engagement in various types of news stories.
  • Different styles of leads can significantly impact reader engagement depending on the nature of the story. For instance, a hard news lead may focus on immediate facts for breaking news, creating urgency. In contrast, a feature lead might employ a more narrative approach to draw readers in emotionally. This adaptability allows journalists to cater their writing to diverse audiences and maintain interest throughout different types of content.
• Evaluate the role of leads in shaping public perception through news coverage and their implications for journalism ethics.
  • Leads play a critical role in shaping public perception because they are often what readers first encounter. A well-crafted lead can frame a story in a way that influences how audiences perceive events or issues. Journalists must be mindful of their choice of words and structure to ensure that leads are not misleading or biased. This highlights ethical considerations in journalism; reporters have a responsibility to present information accurately and fairly right from the outset to foster informed public discourse.

Related terms

Inverted Pyramid: A writing style that presents the most important information at the beginning of an article, with less critical details following in order of importance.

Nut Graf: A paragraph that explains the significance of the story and gives context to the lead, often appearing right after the lead.

Transition: A sentence or phrase that helps move the reader smoothly from one point or section of the article to another.