Escaped Inmates From Iraq Fuel Syrian Insurgency
By Tim Arango
Lede: "BAGHDAD — A series of daring but little noticed breakouts from Iraqi prisons has freed hundreds of hardened militants who are now among the leaders and foot soldiers of the radical Sunni groups operating in neighboring Syria and, increasingly, in Iraq itself."
A really good headline is a kind of subtle sales pitch; it's interesting and catchy, but omits enough information to make the reader curious. In this case we're left wondering how the inmates managed to escape and how they're using this newfound freedom.
The lede, on the other hand, should fill in some of the blanks without betraying the entire article. This author, Tim Arango, has composed a lede that gives his piece room to expand. He has summarized the article, but he's still acting like a good salesman. Now he can contextualize the story and go into detail about the inmates' actions.
Source: New York Times
Duluth hospital: State Dept. rejected visa extension for comatose student
By Jenna Ross
Lede: "Time is running out for a 20-year-old Pakistani exchange student who has been in a coma at a Duluth hospital for three months."
As a summary lede, this is perfectly acceptable, but I can't help but wonder if the author missed an opportunity to personalize her story with a little narrative. Right now, the lede is simply reiterating the headline, while mixing in a few details and a bit of urgency. But there's no better way to communicate urgency than by connecting with audience.
Over the last few days, I've noticed that narrative ledes are hard to come by, even in personal stories like this one. Objectivity and sympathy are often incompatible for journalists, and even-handed coverage usually wins. But this story is clearly about the Bajwa family's heartbreaking situation, and the author is obviously sympathetic. So, kicking the article off with a little narrative probably would have strengthened the overall message and tone.
Source: StarTribune
Agreed with the analysis, Josh, and the cogent comment is appreciated, "This author, Tim Arango, has composed a lede that gives his piece room to expand."
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