Choose Your Own Associated Press Lead

from the options-for-everyone dept

Apparently, the old "who, what, when, where, why and how" lead is too stuffy for some in this age of web-based news reporting. The Associated Press is trying to change with the times, and will be offering two different leads for certain stories, so editors can pick and choose. One lead will be the more traditional "that's the way it is," factual reporting. The other, will be a little more... fluffy, with "attempts to draw in the reader through imagery, narrative devices, perspective or other creative means." It's an interesting move -- and it shows that the Associated Press is recognizing that people don't just look at the news to be informed any more, but (in part) to be entertained. With so much competition out there, stories need to really get attention beyond just the facts. Whether or not that's a good thing, however, may depend on upon your own personal view of the news.