Special Lead examples

#1: nytimes.com "Serbian Rage in Kosovo: Last Gasp or First Breath?"

BELGRADE, Serbia — Nationalist hooligans may have been behind the burning of the United States Embassy here, but the feelings of anger, sorrow and betrayal over the loss of Kosovo cut across all segments of Serbian society.

This contrast lead, identified by 'but the feelings of anger' worked well for this story. The story goes on to talk about riots within Kosovo and while the people of that area may or may not support the actions of the activists, the feelings and emotions that the riots have sparked within everyone are the same. The use of the contrast lead helps show that while this may have been the action of a few, the reprucussions are felt by many.

#2: usatoday.com "Woman dies on flight to JFK, plane's oxygen tank empty"

NEW YORK — Struggling to breathe, American Airlines passenger Carine Desir asked for oxygen, but a flight attendant twice refused her request, the woman's cousin said.

This lead is has a narrative aspect to it and it is also contrasting. This lead is very appropriate because the story features a description of witness' accounts which continues the idea of a narrative. The way it contrasts too is important to the story because it portrays the story very well because the story talks about what was happening to the woman, while contrasting it with the lack of action from the other party, the airline.