leadin

Leadin, also written lead-in, is a term used in journalism, broadcasting, and media to describe material that introduces or transitions into a main piece. It may be a short spoken line, a written teaser, or a brief segment that prepares the audience for what follows. In broadcasting, a lead-in is often a spoken announcer line or a short musical cue that introduces a program, segment, or advertisement, helping to set context, pace, and mood.

In print and online journalism, the term can refer to the introductory sentence or paragraph that precedes the main lede (lede) of a story, providing background or framing before the opening facts are presented. The lead-in is thus distinct from the lede, which contains the core information, though usage can overlap in informal writing.

In digital media, lead-ins frequently appear as teaser lines, headlines, or summaries designed to entice readers to engage with the full article. They may also serve as transitions between related pieces across platforms, linking television, radio, and text content.

Etymology and usage notes: Lead-in derives from the idea of leading into the main content. Style guides may prefer clearer distinctions among lead-in, lede, and lead paragraph, but practitioners frequently encounter variability in practice. See also: lead, lede, transition, teaser.