The difference between headlines and ledes in news writing

In news writing, a headline and a lede (or lead) serve different purposes in conveying information to the reader. This article will discuss the differences between headlines and ledes and show examples.

Headlines

The headline is the title of the news article. It appears at the top of the article, usually in larger font size and bold format. It is the first thing your readers will see. The headline should be brief and attention-grabbing. Its primary purpose is to summarize the article's main point and capture the reader's attention. Headlines are short, often consisting of just a few words or a short phrase. They are designed to convey the key information and entice readers to continue reading the article.

Lede (or Lead)

The lede, sometimes called lead, is the opening paragraph or the initial few sentences of a news article. Its primary function is summarizing the story while grabbing the reader's interest. The lede should contain the most important information of the story, including the who, what, when, where, why, and how. It sets the tone for the article and aims to hook the reader, encouraging them to read further. The lede should have enough information for the reader to know exactly what is happening without reading the rest of the article.

Example 1

Headline: "Local Food Drive Helps Feed Needy Families"

Lede: "A community-led initiative in West Valley is making a significant impact on hunger in the area, as a local food drive collects donations to provide nourishment and support to struggling families, ensuring that no one goes hungry."

In this example, the headline conveys the main event. The lede provides more information about the initiative, answering the what, where, why, and how.

Example 2

Headline: "New Playground Opens in City Park"

Lede: "Exciting news for families and children as a brand new playground has just been unveiled in the city park, offering a fun and safe space for kids to explore, play, and make lasting memories."

In this example, the headline conveys the main event. The lede provides additional details, answering the what, where, why, and when.