What is a lead heading?

A lead heading, often referred to as a "lead" or "deck," is a subheading that provides a brief summary or context for the main headline of an article. It typically appears below the headline and serves to engage readers by highlighting the key points or themes of the content. This helps to draw in the audience and give them a clearer idea of what to expect from the piece. In essence, it acts as a bridge between the headline and the body of the text.