report, news, reward, retribution
報 centers on conveying information back to someone: reporting news or giving a response. The reward and retribution senses extend this idea as a return of good or bad for one's actions.
information; news; report; intelligence
report; information
report (of news); reporting; news; information; (media) coverage
news flash; prompt report; bulletin; quick announcement
remuneration; recompense; reward; toll
report; notification; tip; bulletin
public relations; PR; publicity; public information
forecast; prediction
information; news; report
warning; alarm; alert
retaliation; revenge; reprisal; retribution
good news; happy news; glad tidings
daily report
information; news; intelligence
data processing; information processing
telegram
announcement of time; time signal
bulletin (issued by a society); report; newsletter
false report; incorrect report; misinformation; false alarm
advisory
press corps
to report; to inform
official bulletin; communique
detailed report; full report; details; particulars
報 combines 幸 (originally a handcuff or punishment tool) with 服-like right side suggesting submission, together conveying the idea of repaying or reporting back, often in a legal or reciprocal context.
The left side 幸 looks like a stack of papers, and the right side resembles a kneeling person receiving them. Imagine a messenger delivering a report and receiving a reward in return.
For ホウ, picture a news reporter holding a microphone and shouting 'Ho! You heard it here first!' The 'Ho!' cues ホウ while the reporter delivers the news.