Here's what I look for:
- Clearly answers Who, What, When, Where, Why, and/or How in the first section of the article
- Provides clearly delineated separation between WWWWWH, analysis, and opinion
- Provides clear reference to primary and secondary source material
- Provides clear method of contact for submission of corrections, additions, concerns, etc. (Comment section does not count)
- Author is listed clearly by name or employing service
- Does not use derogatory language, epithets, insults, pet names, insinuation, mockery, etc.
When I do go looking for news, I primarily stick with AP, Reuters, BBC World Service, and Christian Science Monitor. While no news service is perfect, these have a long-standing reputation as quality outlets and openly address when mistakes are made. They have documented chains of editorial oversight and traceable lineage of information in storage even if it is not published as part of the article or story.