In the case of extraordinary events or extraordinary enterprise, we must put into play a design that also is extraordinary. Your readers come to you for your content. Good design must serve to illuminate and work in concert with content. The news function is to deliver meaning to readers. Each is carefully chosen to place information before the reader in a way that is pleasing and easy to understand.
Fine design is thought-out.
It is crafted. It is based on a firm knowledge of design techniques and the principles that underlie those techniques. It allows for the breaking of design rules - but not without an understanding and an appreciation of those rules. The application of fine design can impart an abiding beauty and elegance to a newspaper. It can become upscale without being snobbish.