bleed and lead

[jasonlulu_2000]

Bad news sells. If it bleeds, it leads. No news is good news, and good news is no news. Those are the classic rules for the evening broadcasts and the morning papers. But now that information is being spread and monitored in different ways, researchers are discovering new rules. By tracking people’s e-mails and online posts, scientists have found that good news can spread faster and farther than disasters and sob stories.

That's the first two sentences in my exam paper.

I wonder whether "bleed" or "lead" are naturally used here. Does it mean that if it is about bloody violence, it will sell even better.

Thanks!

Jason

 

[emsr2d2]

The lead story in a newspaper or news programme is the first (and therefore the most important) story that you see/hear. So yes, if there is blood involved, it is likely to become the lead story.

 

[GoesStation]

If it bleeds, it leads is an old aphorism in the news business.