The term "lead editorial" refers to the main editorial in a newspaper or magazine, typically written by the editor-in-chief. The spelling of "lead" in this context can cause confusion, as it is pronounced differently from the metal "lead." In IPA phonetic transcription, the pronunciation of "lead" in "lead editorial" is /liːd/, while the metal is /lɛd/. This difference in pronunciation is due to the origins of the word "lead" in the publishing industry, which comes from the use of a lead typeface for printing.
A lead editorial, also commonly referred to as a leading article, is a type of written piece that appears at the beginning or the top of the editorial page in a newspaper, magazine, or any publication. It holds a prominent position and is usually written by the editorial board or the publication's editor-in-chief.
The purpose of a lead editorial is to articulate the publication's stance or opinion on an important issue, event, or topic of public interest. It serves as the main voice of the publication, offering analysis, commentary, and often making recommendations. The lead editorial reflects the collective viewpoint of the publication's editorial board, which typically comprises experienced journalists and writers.
With a typical length of several hundred words, the lead editorial is well-researched, well-argued, and provides a persuasive narrative, often supported by data, facts, and expert opinions. It aims to inform, persuade, and influence public opinion, encouraging readers to consider the publication's perspective on the matter discussed.
Being positioned at the forefront of the editorial page, the lead editorial can set the tone for the overall content of the publication. It plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse, sparking debates, and providing a platform for the publication's position on significant matters.
Overall, the lead editorial encompasses the publication's most important opinion, typically on matters of great social, political, or cultural significance, and acts as a authoritative voice within the media landscape.
The word "lead editorial" originated from the combination of two separate terms, "lead" and "editorial".
The term "lead" in this context comes from the printing press era. In typesetting, the "lead" refers to the narrow strips of lead used to create space between lines of text. When typesetting newspapers, the article or section that appeared at the top of the page or in the most prominent position was called the "lead article" or "lead story". Over time, this term extended to refer to the most important or primary article in any publication.
The term "editorial" refers to a written opinion piece published in a newspaper or magazine that reflects the views or stance of the publication's editorial board. Editorials typically express the newspaper's opinion on a particular topic or issue, providing analysis, interpretation, or critique.