Words: 286
Several aspiring journalists were recruited by a media house. On their first morning on the job, their editor told them what he expects of them. About their journalism, he said: “Think of the lead as a baited hook that lures the reader, listener and viewer into the story. Think economy. Imagine you are writing the lead while seated on a hot stove. Make each word count and include no extra words. ” What is the value of this instruction about writing a lead?
This instruction given by the editor is clear, concise and of much necessity to he journalists in writing the lead of the story. The instruction given by the editor is valuable because in writing, journalists must be aware of the word usage. While thinking of a lead as “a baited hook that lures the reader, listener and viewer into the story”, journalists should try not to exaggerate by the use of adjectives to make the lead looks exiting. Words are the most powerful tools in journalism and they must be used wisely.
The lead must be written without hype or trying to create an image in the mind of the reader, Sistine and viewer’s mind so journalists should refrain from using adjectives, especially in the wrong context, be simple and clear as possible. A media house delivers information to a wide audience of individuals so in writing the lead and the entire story, journalists should aim for clarity which delivers immediate understanding to the reader, listeners and viewers. There is value in being economical while writing the lead and journalists should remember that each word must count because every word takes up space and time.