Writing doesn't have to drone on and on and on and on and on to be good. Writers and editors don't always realize that when stories become repetitious or tedious or meaningless, readers will treat them with the respect they deserve - they'll turn to something more interesting, the National Enquirer, perhaps. Don't try to impress readers with your education and literary ability, and never use words they can't understand. Making your customers feel dimwitted, uneducated or inferior is not the best way to communicate with them. Get to the point quickly, give the details simply, wrap it up with a conclusion.
Good journalism has a beginning, a middle and an end.
No longer than is necessary to relate the facts the reader needs to know. Features should be longer, but don't overstay your welcome. Don't bore readers with subsidiary waffle and don't drive them to distraction with too much balance or qualification. Give them facts, facts, facts and keep commentary out of news stories. It belongs on the editorial page.