How do you have a good news lead?

Answer 1

A good news lead should start with one of the 5 W's and the H the event that is being written on:* WHO: This lead is mostly about an individual or group involved with something, don't use this one, except in rare cases.
WHAT: Explains what is going on. This is probably going to be the one used most often.
WHEN: Explains when something is going to/did happen. Usually not a good one unless writing for a special occasion (i.e. wedding, a Presidential visit.)
WHERE: Explains where the event takes place. Not good in most cases.
WHY: Starts a story be telling the reader why an event is happening. This is used most often for editorials although is also commonly used for news stories.
HOW: Tells the reader how something was accomplished. This is an average lead. Sometimes it works and others it doesn't.


*Although it is a good rule of thumb is to use the first sentence of the lead paragraph to dictate what the story will talk about using the above criteria. It is still important to use all or most of them in the lead paragraph.


A straight news lead should have no "editorializing" in it (no opinion). And does not begin with the date or "On Tuesday, Dec. 5........." This can begin to sound boring.


An example:
"A contractor laid down the final touches on the new Leaguetown Library in the early hours on Friday, Dec. 5. The library's construction has been funded by the Leaguetown Literacy Society since its start at the beginning of April. The Society says that its reasons for funding are to ensure that the future of Leaguetown has a place for anyone to just sit down and read a book."


Who: Leaguetown Literary Society
What: Leaguetown Library finishes construction.(This was my lead sentence although the rest of the lead paragraph describes the other W&H's)
When: early Friday, Dec. 5
Where: Leaguetown
Why: To ensure that the future of Leaguetown has a place for anyone to just sit down and read a book.
How: It was funded by the Leaguetown Literacy Society.