Iowa Journalism

The professional home for Iowa journalism

Resources, guides, and insights for journalists working in Iowa — from FOIA requests to career development and local news ecosystem coverage.

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Guides, insights, and resources for Iowa journalists

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General

Covering Iowa Weather Disasters and Recovery: A Guide

Iowa journalists play a crucial role in informing the public during and after severe weather events. This guide provides essential strategies for ethical, comprehensive, and impactful reporting on Iowa's unique weather challenges, from immediate disaster response to long-term community recovery.

General

Data Journalism Starter Guide for Iowa Reporters

This guide introduces Iowa journalists to the fundamentals of data journalism, highlighting its importance for local reporting. Learn essential skills, practical tools, and Iowa-specific data opportunities to enhance your storytelling.

Journalism Best Practices

Beyond the Scoreboard: Deeper High School Sports Coverage

This article explores how Iowa journalists can move beyond simple game recaps to deliver comprehensive, human-centered coverage of high school sports. It emphasizes community connection, athlete development, and ethical reporting practices, highlighting the profound impact of these events on Iowa towns and youth.

Iowa JournalismHigh School SportsSports Reporting
Local Journalism

How Iowa Weekly Newspapers Adapt and Thrive in 2026

Iowa's weekly newspapers are embracing innovative strategies to remain vital in 2026. This article explores how they leverage hyperlocal content, digital transformation, diversified revenue streams, and community partnerships to serve as indispensable pillars of their communities.

Iowa journalismweekly newspaperslocal news
Journalism Best Practices

Reporting Iowa Housing: Affordability, Zoning, and Local Impact

Housing affordability and zoning are critical issues shaping Iowa's communities and economy. This article provides Iowa journalists with strategies to effectively cover these complex topics, focusing on data-driven investigations, human-centric storytelling, and policy scrutiny. Understanding the nuances of local regulations and economic pressures is key to informing Iowans.

Iowa JournalismHousing AffordabilityZoning
Journalism Ethics

Respectful Reporting: Covering Iowa Native American Communities

Iowa journalists have a critical role in accurately and respectfully portraying Native American communities. This article provides essential guidance for ethical reporting, emphasizing historical context, sovereignty, and building trust, particularly concerning the Meskwaki Nation.

Iowa JournalismNative AmericanMeskwaki Nation