Definition

Noun: - The most important news story in a publication or broadcast: The "lead story" is the primary news item, considered to be of the greatest significance or interest, and is typically presented first.

Usage

The term "lead story" is used specifically in journalism and media to denote the top story. It functions as a countable noun.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The earthquake was the lead story in every newspaper this morning.
  • The lead story on the evening news covered the election results.
  • Editors spent hours deciding which article would be the day's lead story.

Advanced Usage

• "to be the lead story": to hold the position of the primary news item.
  • The diplomatic scandal was the lead story for three consecutive days.
• "to run as the lead story": to be published or broadcast as the most important item.
  • The exposé on corporate corruption ran as the lead story.

Variants and Related Words

• Lead (noun, journalism): The introductory section of a news story; also, the most important story.
  • She wrote a strong lead for the article.
• Top story (noun): A synonym often used interchangeably with "lead story."
  • The top story tonight is about the market crash.

Synonyms

• Main story: The principal news item.
• Headline story: The story given the most prominent placement.
• Front-page story: Specifically, the main story on the front page of a newspaper.

Related Phrases

• Below the fold: Refers to content, especially news stories, that appears on the lower half of a newspaper's front page (or initially off-screen on a website), typically of lesser importance than the lead story above it.
  • The interview was featured below the fold.
• Above the fold: Refers to content in the top half of a newspaper's front page, where the lead story is always placed.
  • Getting a story above the fold is a major achievement for a journalist.

Noun

1. a news story of major importance