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Journalist Entry Level Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The entry level position is a sales training program geared toward developing candidates into Sales ... journalism, industry innovation, and community service. Hearst Television (HTV) owns and/or ...

Must have at least some previous news producing experience at a commercial TV station, although the right entry-level candidate may be considered * A journalism degree is preferred * Driver's license ...

Must have at least some previous news producing experience at a commercial TV station, although the right entry-level candidate may be considered * A journalism degree is preferred * Driver's license ...

Journalist Entry Level information

See Iowa salary details

$28.2K

$57.3K

$123K

How much do journalist entry level jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for journalist entry level in Iowa is $57,275.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,800.00 and $74,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Journalist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Journalist, you need strong writing, research, and interviewing skills, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems, social media platforms, and digital editing tools is commonly required. Curiosity, adaptability, and effective communication help you excel in gathering stories and building professional relationships. These skills ensure timely, accurate reporting and the ability to engage diverse audiences in a fast-evolving media landscape.

What does an entry-level journalist do?

An entry-level journalist is responsible for researching, writing, and reporting news stories for various media outlets such as newspapers, websites, or broadcast stations. They often conduct interviews, gather information, and verify facts before creating clear and accurate articles or segments. Entry-level journalists may also assist senior reporters, edit content, and learn newsroom operations. This role is crucial for building foundational skills in reporting, writing, and multimedia storytelling.

What Does an Entry-Level Journalist Do?

An entry-level journalist conducts research, collects information, and writes news articles for a news organization. As an entry-level journalist, you write articles on topics given to you by an editor or supervisor. Your responsibilities include interviewing persons of interest, obtaining quotes, fact-checking, and keeping up with your deadlines. Your other duties involve traveling to obtain stories and acquiring background information via digital and physical sources. You can also report on location for radio and TV stations or provide research to reporters on a freelance basis. Digital platforms frequently hire entry-level journalists. You typically work from home to complete research and submit articles.

What is the difference between Journalist Entry Level vs Reporter?

AspectJournalist Entry LevelReporter
CredentialsBachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related fieldBachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field
Work EnvironmentNewsrooms, media outlets, online platformsField reporting, newsrooms, media outlets
Employer & Industry UsageMedia companies, newspapers, online news portalsNews organizations, TV stations, newspapers
Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level roles, career start, basic reporting tasksInvestigative reporting, on-the-ground coverage

In summary, a Journalist Entry Level typically refers to a beginner role requiring foundational skills and education, often working in newsrooms or online media. A Reporter, while also entry-level in many cases, may focus more on fieldwork and investigative tasks. Both roles share similar credentials and work environments but differ slightly in scope and focus.

What are some common challenges entry-level journalists face when adapting to newsroom workflows?

Entry-level journalists often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, quickly learning newsroom software, and adapting to the fast-paced, constantly changing news cycle. They may also need to balance multiple assignments while ensuring accuracy and ethical reporting. Collaborating with editors, photographers, and other reporters is essential, and developing strong communication and organizational skills will help new journalists thrive in this environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Journalist jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Journalist jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Journalist Entry Level jobs in Iowa? For Journalist Entry Level jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Journalist Entry Level jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Journalist Entry Level jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Journalist Entry Level jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Journalist Entry Level job openings:
Infographic showing various Journalist Entry Level job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,275 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
Sales Account Associate

Sales Account Associate

Hearst

Des Moines, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Hearst rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 75 rated media


Job description

Sales Account Associate (Entry level)

KCCI, the CBS affiliate in Des Moines, IA, is looking for a Sales Account Associate. The entry level position is a sales training program geared toward developing candidates into Sales Account Executives. As a Sales Account Associate, your first priority is to learn all facets of local television sales while encouraging your natural sales abilities. All sales team members, led by the Local Sales Manager, will contribute to your training and ultimate success. You will report to the Local Sales Manager. 

KCCI is a multi-platform local media leader.  Our passionate team members serve our viewers and clients with world-class content and advertising solutions seen by thousands of consumers every day.  And because we know consumers do not want to be constrained, we are driven to ensure every news story and every advertising solution will reach them wherever they are, and on whatever device they are using.  As part of the global Hearst team, based in Des Moines, Iowa, our resources to serve our viewers, clients and employees are best-in-class.

Training

  • Comprehensive 9-12-month training, with ongoing career development and opportunities through KCCI
  • Learn industry-leading communication and sales techniques
  • Train with top sales producers
  • Learn software skills such as WideOrbit Traffic and Media Sales, Vivix, Matrix, and other sales platforms
  • Learn and work with Nielsen research data
  • Roleplay and practice presentations regularly

Responsibilities

Tasks listed below are all a part of the training regimen for development to Account Executive

  • Assist the development of sales proposals, advertising packages, and client presentations
  • Create supportive marketing materials for the sales department
  • Prepare proposals based on account executive requests
  • Communicate with our teams (including: sales, production, finance) and external clients on performance and delivery of campaigns
  • Enter and maintain all orders including electronic transfer and maintenance of WOCentral orders to WideOrbit
  • Manage sales database

Requirements

  • Can deal with the stresses and pressures of time-sensitive projects
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary
  • Excellent social, intrapersonal, and presentation skills
  • Must be focused, organized, and detail oriented
  • Proficient in Excel (can maintain complex spreadsheets) and other Microsoft Office products (PowerPoint)
  • Must have an enterprising spirit with a goal of becoming a media sales account executive in 9-12 months 
  • Related military experience will be considered

Values in Action

At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. That's why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization that fosters collaboration and open communication, ensuring that the content we create is authentic, accurate, and connected to the communities we serve.

Benefits

Hearst's benefit programs are modern, flexible and designed to focus on the whole person. As a Hearst employee, you and your spouse or partner or dependents would have access to the following benefits.

  • Medical | Dental | Vision
  • 401(k) matching
  • Emotional Wellness Support
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • LGBTQ+ Health Services
  • Additional benefits to meet your and your family's needs

About Company

Hearst Television (HTV) owns and operates 35 television and two radio stations serving 26 media markets across 39 states reaching over 21 million U.S. television households. HTV is recognized as one of the industry's premier broadcasting companies and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service.

Hearst Television (HTV) owns and/or operates 35 television and two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S. television households. HTV is recognized as one of the industry's premier broadcasting companies and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. we do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national, origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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