What is a lead in news
In journalism, a lead, also known as a lead-in or introduction, is the opening paragraph of a news article, broadcast, or report. Its primary purpose is to grab the reader's or listener's attention, provide a brief overview of the story, and entice them to continue reading or listening.
A good lead should:
- Be concise: Keep it short and to the point, usually no more than 2-3 sentences.
- Be informative: Provide essential details about the story, such as who, what, where, when, and why.
- Be engaging: Use vivid language, interesting facts, or surprising statistics to make the reader curious.
- Set the tone: Establish the tone of the article, whether it's serious, humorous, or neutral.
There are several types of leads, including:
- Direct lead: A straightforward, factual summary of the story. Example: "A massive fire broke out in a downtown high-rise building last night, leaving several people injured and dozens more displaced."
- Indirect lead: A more creative or attention-grabbing approach that doesn't immediately reveal the story's topic. Example: "As the sun set over the city, a sense of unease settled over the residents of downtown, where a mysterious blaze had just engulfed a prominent landmark."
- Question lead: A lead that poses a question or raises a curiosity that the reader wants to have answered. Example: "What caused the sudden and devastating collapse of the city's iconic bridge, leaving hundreds stranded and injured?"
- Statistical lead: A lead that uses numbers or statistics to make a point or grab attention. Example: "According to the latest figures, the city's homeless population has surged by 20% in the past year, sparking concerns about the availability of affordable housing."
Ultimately, the goal of a lead is to entice the reader or listener to continue engaging with the story, making it an essential element of effective journalism.