Chapter 4: Summary Ledes

A summary lede is the opening sentence or two of a news story designed to quickly answer the "5W's and the H" of a story. Summary ledes in print and online news are written in active voice, past tense, and include a time element.

Examples of Summary Ledes:

-"A car bomb explosion critically wounded the head of the Arkansas panel that licenses and disciplines doctors, detonating in his driveway as he was leaving for work, authorities said." (The Baltimore Sun, 2/4/09)

This first example is short, concise, written in the past tense, and includes a time element. It answers the questions who, what, when where, and how.

-"Facing criticism from political foes and human rights advocates, the British government on Thursday defended a court’s decision not to release information about a British terrorism suspect who says he was tortured in American custody. The court said it reached its decision because of what it called a threat from the United States to reconsider sharing intelligence with the country." (New York Times, 2/5/09)

This summary lede does a great job of summarizing a complicated news story and introducing it in a way that engages and interests readers; however, it is too long (60 words), and it backs into the story. I think this lede would be stronger and more effective if the first clause was taken out.

-"At least 800 civilians caught in raging fighting escaped Sri Lanka's war zone on Thursday, the military said, and the government renewed a call for Tamil Tiger rebels to surrender unconditionally or face destruction." (NYT (Reuters) 2/5/09)

This summary lede adheres to all the guidelines given in our chapter four of our textbook. It is written in past tense and includes a time element. It is specific, concise, and written in active voice.

Chapter 14 Questions

1. Objectivity: being unbiased and neutral when reporting the news.
-Interview a variety and number of sources, not just official sources who may be agenda-setting
-Report balanced facts, but report those facts in context so as not to lose the truth of the story
-Don't let your personal beliefs or emotions affect the way you write a story


2. Thoroughness: examining every possible aspect of a story to give the audience a full understanding.
-Be patient and take the time to track down the best sources
-Find and cite primary documentary evidence
-Become an expert on your subject and develop an informed viewpoint

3. Accuracy: simply getting the facts straight.
-Always ask sources their name, age, profession and title. Read the answer back to verify that it is correct.
-Never assume anything when writing a story
-Double check the information given to the graphics or photography departments

4. Fairness: representing all sides of a story equally and accurately.
-Incorporate different viewpoints into your stories
-Do not frame stories by starting a story already knowing how you want it to turn out
-Be willing to listen to those who disagree with you

5. Transparency: being open about personal biases, the reporting process, and how/where they get their information.
-Admit to your mistakes if and when you make them
-Link to your source materials
-Let the audience see the basic behind the scene action of the journalistic process

Free Falling

This picture was taken last summer while I was in a free fall, skydiving over Ocean City, Md. Everyone should go skydiving! I'll go with you if you're scared :).

I Am The Walrus

Hello, world. My name is Autumn like the season, Rose like the flower, and I am not actually a walrus (but I love the Beatles). I am a student at Towson University (hopefully) majoring in Journalism and New Media; I transferred to Towson last semester (Fall 2008) after starting my college career at NYU.

I was born and raised in the best town on earth, Mt. Airy, MD. I consider my Mom, Dad, and twin brother Wayne to be some of my best friends, along with my dog, Maggie, and my cat, Tiger.

I very much enjoy engaging in various spontaneous activities with my close friends, including, but not limited to: road trips, late night 7-11/Sheetz runs, dance parties, car ride sing-a-longs, Wii Fit competitions, movie marathons, and laughing about absolutely nothing. I would die without my iPod. I love reading, but cannot find the time to read. I love movies, but always seem to get into some kind of trouble at my hometown movie theater.

Stay tuned for more.