Lead

Definition

In radio news, a lead refers to the opening sentence or paragraph of a news story that captures the audience's attention and provides the essential information. A good lead sets the stage for the rest of the story by delivering the who, what, when, where, why, and how in a concise manner, making it crucial for effective communication in various reporting scenarios.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The lead should be engaging and straightforward, often employing strong verbs and active voice to draw listeners in quickly.
2. In radio writing, leads are typically shorter than in print journalism, as brevity is key for retaining listener attention.
3. A well-crafted lead can influence how the rest of the story is perceived, shaping listener expectations and interest.
4. Different types of leads exist, including summary leads that give a quick overview and anecdotal leads that start with a specific story or example.
5. In investigative reporting, leads are particularly important as they must encapsulate complex issues and hook listeners while establishing trust.

Review Questions

• How does a strong lead contribute to effective field reporting in radio news?
  • A strong lead is vital in field reporting as it establishes the news story's focus right away. It grabs attention and sets up the context for what follows. In field reporting, where there may be competition for listener engagement, a compelling lead can ensure that the audience remains interested and informed about crucial developments as they unfold.
• Discuss how writing for the ear influences the construction of a lead in radio journalism.
  • Writing for the ear emphasizes clarity and simplicity since listeners don't have a visual reference. This influences lead construction by requiring that they be concise and punchy. A good lead must communicate essential information quickly while being easily understandable when spoken aloud. This necessitates using straightforward language and avoiding complex sentence structures.
• Evaluate the role of a lead in investigative stories and how it affects audience perception of the findings presented.
  • In investigative stories, the lead plays an essential role by not only summarizing complex findings but also establishing credibility and intrigue. A well-crafted lead can frame the narrative in such a way that it highlights significant issues and sparks curiosity among listeners. This impacts audience perception by guiding their interpretation of the details that follow, ensuring they grasp both the gravity of the findings and the relevance to broader societal issues.

Related terms

Soundbite: A brief clip of speech or audio that highlights a key point or quote from an interview, often used to add depth or emotion to a news story.

Nut Graph: A paragraph in a news story that explains the significance of the story, typically following the lead, providing context and background for listeners.

Attribution: The process of crediting the source of information or quotes in a news story, which is essential for maintaining credibility and transparency.