The answer to the crossword clue “what a journalist might bury” is generally considered to be a LEAD. In journalistic terms, the lead (also spelled “lede”) is the introductory section of a news story that is intended to capture the reader’s attention and convey the main points of the article. To bury the lead, therefore, means to obscure or de-emphasize the most important information within a story, often by placing it later in the article or by failing to highlight its significance. For instance, if a news report about a groundbreaking medical discovery dedicates the initial paragraphs to background information before finally revealing the actual breakthrough, one could say the lead has been buried.
The practice of burying the lead diminishes the effectiveness of the news report. Clarity and concision are paramount in journalism. A well-constructed lead immediately informs the reader of the story’s importance and encourages continued reading. Conversely, a buried lead can confuse or discourage the audience, potentially leading to a misinterpretation of the news or a complete loss of interest. Historically, the emphasis on a strong lead has evolved alongside the changing demands of news consumption. As audiences became more accustomed to readily available information, the ability to quickly grasp the core message became increasingly important, placing even greater value on the well-structured lead.
