What is a news lead

In journalism, a news lead, also known as a lead or opening, is the opening sentence or paragraph of a news article that grabs the reader's attention and sets the tone for the rest of the story. A good news lead should be:

  1. Intriguing: It should pique the reader's curiosity and make them want to read more.
  2. Informative: It should provide some essential information about the story, such as who, what, where, when, and why.
  3. Concise: It should be brief and to the point, without giving away too much of the story.
  4. Engaging: It should use vivid language, metaphors, or other literary devices to make the story more interesting and memorable.

A news lead can take various forms, including:

  1. A question: "What happened when a group of friends decided to explore the abandoned mine?"
  2. A statement: "A devastating fire swept through the city's historic district, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake."
  3. A quote: "'It was like a nightmare come true,' said John Smith, who witnessed the accident."
  4. A summary: "A new study reveals that the city's air quality is worse than previously thought, with serious implications for public health."
  5. A anecdote: "As she walked out of the hospital, Sarah couldn't believe the news: she was cancer-free after a year-long battle."

The goal of a news lead is to entice the reader to continue reading the article, which should provide more details, analysis, and context about the story. A well-crafted news lead can make all the difference in keeping readers engaged and interested in the story.