When possible, the Cover Story is also the lead to the show. But, if a big story breaks late in the day, that may become the lead and the Cover Story gets moved down. The Cover Story is the story in which there is the possibility for doing background and sidebars. It is what many stations call a 'Team Report,' he says. The 6 p.m. show is more state news and in-depth reporting.
Powers says the really big stories often lead both shows.
News executives there have to come up with three lead stories each afternoon. Here is how they divide it up. The 5 p.m. lead could be a protest taking place that day or a crime story. It is something which has some immediacy. The 6 p.m. lead is the story which is the most important story and the most memorable the day.