What makes a good news program?

Like many of you, I watch a hell of a lot of news, and whilst I have my own ideas about what makes a good news program, what do you like and what do you hate?

I hate Americanised spelling of words.

I think newsreaders need to come across as very professional, but relaxed and calm. They can't be wodden, we need a smile now and again. And at the end of a news programme, a bit of banter is good.

Crucially it depends on what sort of news programme it is. It would be odd for Newsnight to be presented from a studio full of vases with flowers and comfy sofas for example, but perfectly suited for a Breakfast programme.

news, rather than the toss they serve up instead

One of the reasons my local radio station is so successful is because there is so much variety. OK maybe not a good comparision but I think along with the serious, hard news, you need a joke and laugh between presenters and a good on screen relationship between them too. Something to appeal to everyone so not just always news about politics but perhaps news about personal acheivments etc. Also the facts need to be there and presented well. I really hate it when reporters don't know what they're talking about! Oh and as in the case of the BBC, it needs to have great music, great graphics and a great set! =)

I think there needs to more political coverage in general actually, and less entertainment/celebrity related stories. I'd rather have a highbrow programme which didn't appeal to many people than a load of dumbed-down trash for the masses.
But then, that is just my personal taste. Sometimes there are conflicting interests when it comes to deciding what to put on news programmes. However, I am of the belief that if a programme/news service starts out with a small audience but proper content, it will have a better reputation in the long run.

I think the BBC News is fine how it is (Except for breakfast's studio and titles) however I think they need to rethink the six o clock news. George Alaghiah is a great journalist, but him and Natasha Kerplinksy just aren't suited to the six very well. So i think in order for a news programme to work you have to have presenters who are well suited to what they are doing like Jane Hill for example: she's authoritive yet can have a smile and a joke with her co presenter too.

I do suppose it depends on the type of show and your own personal taste. Also I do think the BBC is fine as it is but perhaps Breakfast could be more like GMTV and cover a bit more light heared stuff. =) Just my opinion.

The most important requirement on a programme to me is excellent journalism and reporting. A wide a range of UK stories as possible and also an international story or two. Preferably investigative journalism that has it's own agenda and these stories would be a regular part of the show. Fewer political related stories unless it is very relevant and important ; not the spoon - fed trivia guff we have most days. Much less of the tv, media , celeb and sport "circuses " that most media providers cling and prostitute themselves to nowadays.

Presenters who were experienced reporters and have got the job because they also have excellent tv and radio presenting skills .

They needn't chat like neighbours over the fence to one another but it helps if they have some respect for each other .

A stylish well constructed studio that isn't some boutique designers idea of what a news programme's set should be. It 'd be a design that gives the feel of authority and calmness to the viewer and presenters but it should be up there with whatever is current in modern designs too.

^^

very idealistic there lol, agree with 99.9% of it though!

Content - a wide variety of short length items to engage many people and keep them interested with an option of in-depth coverage on an issue available
Presentation - professional looking background and graphics with interesting presenters who know what they're talking about, can come across as having authority yet able to have a joke as well