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Feature Leads. Journalism/New Media II MCOM 258 Feb. 16, 20009. When to use a feature lead…. The how or why is the focus rather than the what The topic of the story When the story is more unusual or interesting rather than important (breaking news) Background information.
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Feature Leads Journalism/New Media II MCOM 258 Feb. 16, 20009
When to use a feature lead… • The how or why is the focus rather than the what • The topic of the story • When the story is more unusual or interesting rather than important (breaking news) • Background information
Examples of when to use • Plane crash in Buffalo • Hard news story • Hard news summary lead appropriate here • In-depth story/feature • Takes a different approach
Types of feature leads • Summary—not to be confused with summary lead for hard news • Used for shorter stories. • Different approach • example
Anecdotal Lead • Very common approach to a feature lead • Writer uses a story or anecdote to capture the essence of the story • The anecdotal lead should make the point simply and clearly • Example • Lead is an example of the larger picture
Narrative Lead • Presents a story to the reader but it’s longer than the anecdotal lead • Has quotes and dialogue to set up a scene • Example
Descriptive Leads • Include details that support the point of the story • Can be used in travel stories—stories that focus on a specific place, person or group • example
Question leads • Pose a question that captures the reader off guard • Not the best type of lead for feature stories—you don’t see them used very often
Nut Graph • 3-5 paragraphs down • Tells us what the story is about • Ties the lead into the larger picture • Essential element to your story when you’re writing a feature lead. • example
When writing the feature lead • Pay attention to detail • Something in the story should stand out to you • What about this helps me understand the bigger picture?