In news gathering and writing news, observation is one of the most important factors. In using words as descriptors, the author has an advantage, even sometimes over photographs. While pictures can show one moment in time, the use of description can show an event in its entirety.

When gathering news, being able to really show the reader what is happening is key. If readers can get a sense of what is actually going on and see it in their minds, they are more likely to stick with the story to the end. Observation is also very important to the choosing of good news–the specific aspects to cover. If the writer looks at an event closely, he will be able to pick the parts of the event that are most interesting or important to the reader.

Writing based on careful observation is often times of better quality because the author really gets a feel for the news. It also gives the author a different perspective if he really observes instead of just reporting on the first thing that “seems” newsworthy. In writing for news, there is a tendency to report the “big facts” or the major things that are happening. It may sometimes be better to report on the things that are not so obvious. Watching an event from the sidelines sometimes brings out a better story than just the main event.