foranleder

Foranleder is a term used in Norwegian journalism to describe a short introductory line or phrase that appears before the main headline or lead of a news article. Its purpose is to catch the reader’s attention and to signal the angle, topic, or scope of the story in a concise way.

In practice, a foranleder functions as a teaser or kicker. It is typically placed above the headline, or in some layouts just before the lede paragraph, and is often set in a distinct typographic style or size. It should be brief and informative, providing a quick context without duplicating information that appears in the headline or lead.

The foranleder is distinct from the main lede or leder (the lead paragraph that summarizes the article) and from the headline itself. In English journalism, its closest equivalents are the kicker or the deck, which serve similar teaser roles and help set the tone for the reader. However, the use and terminology of foranleder vary between outlets and publications.

Usage varies by newsroom and medium. Some newspapers and magazines employ foranleder regularly on front pages or feature stories, while others rely primarily on headlines and leads. When used, it contributes to the article’s overall structure and can influence how the reader perceives the piece's emphasis before reading the full text.