Lead-in

Definition

A lead-in is a brief introductory statement or phrase that captures the audience's attention and sets the stage for the main story or content that follows. It plays a crucial role in news writing, as it provides context and entices readers or viewers to engage further with the material, which is essential across different formats like print, online, and broadcast media.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In print journalism, a lead-in typically appears right after the headline, guiding readers into the story.
2. For online news, lead-ins often include key phrases that are optimized for search engines to attract clicks.
3. In broadcast journalism, a lead-in is often delivered by the anchor, providing a succinct overview before transitioning to video footage or interviews.
4. An effective lead-in should be clear, concise, and compelling, ideally no more than one or two sentences long.
5. Different news mediums might adjust the style of their lead-ins; for instance, online articles might use questions or calls to action to engage readers immediately.

Review Questions

• How does a lead-in differ in function between print and broadcast journalism?
  • In print journalism, a lead-in serves to summarize and entice readers to continue reading the article. It usually follows the headline and provides context for the story. In contrast, in broadcast journalism, a lead-in is delivered by an anchor and serves not only to summarize but also to engage viewers visually by previewing video clips or interviews that will follow. This difference highlights how the medium influences how information is presented.
• Discuss how an effective lead-in can impact audience engagement across different news mediums.
  • An effective lead-in significantly enhances audience engagement by quickly capturing interest and providing essential context. In print, it must be concise yet intriguing enough to compel readers to delve into the article. For online media, incorporating keywords can optimize visibility and click-through rates. In broadcast journalism, a well-crafted lead-in can grab viewers' attention before transitioning to more detailed reporting. Each medium requires a tailored approach to ensure the lead-in resonates with its specific audience.
• Evaluate how changing trends in media consumption might influence the style and effectiveness of lead-ins in modern journalism.
  • As media consumption shifts increasingly towards digital platforms, the style and effectiveness of lead-ins are adapting to keep pace with audience expectations. With shorter attention spans and the prevalence of mobile devices, lead-ins are becoming more dynamic and engaging, often using compelling questions or direct calls to action. Additionally, as audiences become accustomed to consuming news via social media feeds, the need for lead-ins that are catchy and optimized for search algorithms is more critical than ever. This evolution reflects broader changes in how audiences interact with news content today.

Related terms

Headline: The title of a news article that summarizes the main point and attracts the reader's attention.

Nut Graph: A paragraph in a news story that explains the significance of the story and often follows the lead.

Teaser: A short promotional message used in broadcasting to preview upcoming segments and generate interest.