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Local News Reporter Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Agupdate

Local News Editor

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... Local News Editor to lead the communities news staff in producing impactful work that will make a ... This editor will lead a team of reporters covering the Des Moines community, including city hall ...

gannett

Local News Editor

Des Moines, IA · On-site

... Local News Editor to lead the communities news staff in producing impactful work that will make a ... This editor will lead a team of reporters covering the Des Moines community, including city hall ...

gannett

Local News Editor

Des Moines, IA · On-site

... Local News Editor to lead the communities news staff in producing impactful work that will make a ... This editor will lead a team of reporters covering the Des Moines community, including city hall ...

Gannett Co., Inc.

Local News Editor

Des Moines, IA · On-site

... Local News Editor to lead the communities news staff in producing impactful work that will make a ... This editor will lead a team of reporters covering the Des Moines community, including city hall ...

GRAY TELEVISION

NEWS REPORTER/MMJ - KWQC

Davenport, IA · On-site

The company is the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets ... KWQC has an immediate opening for a News Reporter/MMJ. The ideal candidate will produce stories ...

Gray Television

NEWS REPORTER/MMJ - KWQC

Davenport, IA · On-site

The company is the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets ... KWQC has an immediate opening for a News Reporter/MMJ. The ideal candidate will produce stories ...

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Local News Reporter information

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How much do local news reporter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for local news reporter in Iowa is $20.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a local news reporter do?

A local news reporter investigates, writes, and presents news stories that are relevant to a specific community or region. They cover a variety of topics such as local politics, events, crime, and human interest stories. Reporters often conduct interviews, attend community meetings, and verify facts to ensure accurate reporting. Their work is essential in keeping the public informed about important issues that directly affect their daily lives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a local news reporter?

To thrive as a Local News Reporter, you need strong writing, research, and interviewing skills, usually supported by a degree in journalism or communications. Familiarity with content management systems, social media platforms, and audio/video editing tools is typically required. Curiosity, persistence, and the ability to build relationships with sources are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for delivering accurate, engaging stories that inform the community and uphold journalistic integrity.

What are some common challenges faced by local news reporters when covering community stories?

Local news reporters often encounter challenges such as building trust with community members, meeting tight deadlines, and verifying information from multiple sources. Balancing the need for accurate, unbiased reporting while respecting the privacy and sensitivities of local residents can also be demanding. Additionally, reporters frequently juggle several assignments at once and must adapt quickly to breaking news events, all while maintaining strong relationships with editors and colleagues.

What is the difference between Local News Reporter vs Local News Anchor?

AspectLocal News ReporterLocal News Anchor
CredentialsJournalism degree, reporting experienceJournalism degree, on-air presentation skills
Work EnvironmentField reporting, newsroomStudio broadcasting, live on-air
Employer & IndustryTV stations, newspapers, online outletsTV stations, broadcast networks
Search & Comparison IntentReporting roles, fieldworkOn-air roles, presentation skills

While both roles involve journalism and media, a Local News Reporter primarily gathers news from the field and reports on stories, whereas a Local News Anchor presents news stories live on television or online. Both require journalism credentials, but anchors focus more on on-camera presence and delivery, while reporters emphasize investigative skills and fieldwork.

Can you be a local news reporter with no experience?

Becoming a local news reporter typically requires strong communication skills, a good understanding of journalism principles, and often a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. While some entry-level positions may accept candidates with limited experience, gaining internships, volunteering, or developing a portfolio can improve chances of starting in the role.

How much does a local news reporter get paid?

The average salary for a local news reporter varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $30,000 to $60,000 annually. Entry-level reporters may earn less, while experienced journalists or those working in larger markets can earn higher salaries and additional benefits.

How to become a local news reporter?

To become a local news reporter, typically a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships, developing strong writing and reporting skills, and building a portfolio are important steps; proficiency with newsroom tools and understanding local issues also help advance in the field.

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Local News Reporter jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Local News Reporter job openings:

Infographic showing various Local News Reporter job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,219 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Local News Editor

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Agupdate
See more jobs at Agupdateexternal

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

The Des Moines Register /desmoinesregister.com , part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks a dynamic, results-driven Local News Editor to lead the communities news staff in producing impactful work that will make a difference for readers.

This editor will lead a team of reporters covering the Des Moines community, including city hall, suburban, neighborhood and public safety news, helping reporters break exclusive news, cultivate deep sourcing and develop explanatory and investigative reports. It requires a mentor who can help reporters improve their newsgathering and writing skills and take on ever‑more sophisticated work.

The editor will use metrics and audience research to guide decisions about covering topics and issues that will drive digital audience growth. A successful candidate will embrace the latest developments in video, digital technology, social media and AI and will experiment with innovative approaches to draw in new audiences.

The job requires a problem solver who is well‑organized, can work independently and exercise solid news judgment.

They will report to the Des Moines Register's executive and will collaborate with other editors to plan and execute local and statewide news and information.

The Des Moines Register is a 17‑time Pulitzer Prize winner that is recognized nationally for the quality of reporting. The Register offers an opportunity to build a career path in Iowa or to gain the foundation to move on to top metros across the country.

Responsibilities:

Help the staff hone skills in a wide range of storytelling: from real time digital updates to narrative storytelling to investigative reporting, employing alternative story forms and multimedia.

Use metrics and analytics to determine how to best reach and grow the audience.

Increase digital audience and engagement and grow digital subscriptions.

Be a teacher, not just an editor.

After all, everyone needs a coach.

Be courageous about experimentation.

Be a team player who likes to collaborate with coworkers.

Serve as an ambassador to the community on the Register's behalf.

Apply innovative, creative thinking to support the company's goals.

Requirements:

Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

5 years of experience in journalism writing, editing or management roles and demonstration of strong editing skills.

Solid news judgment.

Top-notch planning, organizational and time management skills.

Understanding of metrics, social-media and SEO.

Self-motivation and self-direction.

Ability to multi-task and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing environment.

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