Crowded lead in news reporting

A crowded lead in news reporting refers to a lead (or opening paragraph) that is too long, wordy, or tries to include too much information, making it difficult for the reader to quickly understand the main point of the story.

Here are some common characteristics of a crowded lead:

  1. Too many details: The lead tries to include too many facts, figures, or quotes, making it hard to focus on the main story.
  2. Long sentences: The lead is written in long, convoluted sentences that are hard to follow.
  3. Multiple storylines: The lead tries to cover multiple storylines or angles, making it confusing for the reader.
  4. Too much background information: The lead provides too much background information, making it difficult to get to the main point of the story.
  5. Lack of focus: The lead fails to clearly state the main point of the story, leaving the reader wondering what the story is about.

A crowded lead can be detrimental to a news story because:

  1. It loses the reader's attention: A crowded lead can overwhelm the reader, causing them to lose interest in the story.
  2. It's hard to follow: A crowded lead can make it difficult for the reader to understand the main point of the story, leading to confusion.
  3. It's not engaging: A crowded lead can be boring and unengaging, making it harder to keep the reader interested in the story.

To avoid a crowded lead, follow these tips:

  1. Keep it concise: Aim for a lead that is no more than 2-3 sentences long.
  2. Focus on the main point: Clearly state the main point of the story in the lead.
  3. Use simple language: Avoid using complex language or jargon that can confuse the reader.
  4. Use active voice: Write in the active voice to make the lead more engaging and easier to follow.
  5. Edit carefully: Review your lead carefully to ensure it is concise, clear, and engaging.

By avoiding a crowded lead, you can create a news story that is engaging, easy to follow, and effective at conveying the main point of the story.