Lead story

Definition

A lead story is the most important news piece in a publication or broadcast, capturing the audience's attention and setting the tone for the rest of the content. This story often features significant events, compelling narratives, or breaking news that resonates with readers or viewers. The lead story serves as a focal point for news judgment and editorial decision-making, highlighting what is deemed most relevant to the audience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lead stories are usually placed at the beginning of newspapers or at the top of news broadcasts, prioritizing them for visibility and impact.
2. The selection of a lead story can influence public perception and set the agenda for subsequent coverage on related issues.
3. Journalists must evaluate multiple stories to determine which will serve as the lead, balancing factors like significance, audience interest, and timeliness.
4. In digital media, the definition of a lead story can evolve rapidly due to the 24/7 nature of news cycles and social media interactions.
5. Lead stories can also shift throughout the day based on breaking news, leading to updates in publications or broadcasts as new information becomes available.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of lead story influence editorial decision-making in news organizations?
  • The concept of lead story directly influences editorial decision-making by determining which news items are prioritized based on their perceived importance. Editors assess factors like public interest, relevance, and impact when selecting a lead story. This choice not only shapes the publication's overall narrative but also reflects its values and priorities in reporting, thereby guiding what audiences see first.
• What criteria are commonly used to assess newsworthiness when selecting a lead story?
  • Common criteria for assessing newsworthiness include timeliness, significance, proximity, prominence, conflict, and human interest. A lead story typically needs to be current or breaking to capture immediate attention. Its significance refers to how impactful it is on people's lives. Proximity considers how close or relatable the event is to the audience. Prominence evaluates if well-known figures are involved. Conflict adds drama to the narrative while human interest makes the story relatable.
• Evaluate how changes in technology have affected the selection and presentation of lead stories in modern journalism.
  • Changes in technology have significantly altered both the selection and presentation of lead stories in journalism. With the rise of digital media and social networks, news organizations can update lead stories rapidly based on real-time events and audience engagement. This immediacy challenges traditional notions of what constitutes a lead story since stories can gain prominence quickly through viral sharing. Furthermore, algorithms play a role in curating content for users, sometimes prioritizing different lead stories than those chosen by editors based on classic editorial standards.

Related terms

editorial decision-making: The process by which editors choose which stories to publish or broadcast, considering factors such as newsworthiness, audience interest, and relevance.

newsworthiness: A set of criteria that determine how important or relevant a news story is to the audience, often influenced by factors like timeliness, proximity, and impact.

headline: The title or summary line of a news article that is designed to grab attention and provide a quick insight into the story's content.