The Five W's: Which Should Lead?

The same news story can be written numerous ways. The following are examples of different summary lead strategies for the same news story:

Emphasizing who:

Dave Benyl and Jim Conway are experts when it comes to broken cars, and they warn motorists to steer clear of highway construction zones.

Emphasizing what:

Until the $20 million construction project to improve Chandler Boulevard is completed, auto repair experts are advising motorists to find an alternative route.

Emphasizing where:

Chandler Boulevard from Kyrene Road to Dobson Road is not the place these days for motorists trying to avoid damage to their cars.

Emphasizing when:

The $20 million construction project to improve Chandler Boulevard will not be completed until June, and until then auto repair experts are advising motorists to steer clear.

Emphasizing why:

Because of all the nails, screws and bad bumps, auto repair experts are advising motorists to steer clear of Chandler Boulevard.

Emphasizing how:

The best way to avoid the bumps, screws and nails on Chandler Boulevard during the six-month construction project is to find an alternative route, auto repair experts say.