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Local News Reporter Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Local News Executive Producer KCCI, the CBS affiliate in Des Moines, is seeking an Executive ... Manage, coach, and motivate producers, reporters, and video journalists * Oversight of the use of ...

Local News Executive Producer KCCI, the CBS affiliate in Des Moines, is seeking an Executive ... Manage, coach, and motivate producers, reporters, and video journalists * Oversight of the use of ...

Local News Executive Producer KCCI, the CBS affiliate in Des Moines, is seeking an Executive ... Manage, coach, and motivate producers, reporters, and video journalists * Oversight of the use of ...

Local News Executive Producer KCCI, the CBS affiliate in Des Moines, is seeking an Executive ... Manage, coach, and motivate producers, reporters, and video journalists * Oversight of the use of ...

Showing results 21-40

Local News Reporter information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$20

$37

How much do local news reporter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 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.

Anchor Reporter

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Hearst Newspapers
Newspaper Publishers • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

KCCI, the CBS affiliate in Des Moines, is looking for a weekend Anchor/Reporter. The Anchor/Reporter is someone who can bring the energy of live reporting to our anchor desk. In addition to credibility, poise, and personality; you are an anchor who isn't afraid to head out into the field and break the big stories. You will enterprise exclusives, tell compelling stories, and complete live shots. You are someone who isn't afraid to ask the tough questions, will hold those in power accountable and help mentor producers and reporters. You will write and edit scripts with viewer interaction in mind. You are versatile, enterprising, and can work fast and efficiently, work well under tight deadlines, can develop sources, and have excellent live reporting skills. You will report to the News Director. 

Responsibilities

  • Deliver scripted and ad-lib material with professionalism, personality, and purpose.
  • Work with and guide reporters and producers in newscast production.
  • Plans, gathers and assembles stories on day-of news or special project assignments.
  • Create content across linear and digital platforms to meet viewers where they are
  • Coordinate with news managers and producers to develop stories that go beyond surface details, that accentuate unique enterprise angles, and have exclusive content
  • Develop a network of sources who provide tips, early access to information, and allow the reporter to break stories of significance
  • Appear on behalf of the station at public events.
  • Will contribute pictures, video and text updates to mobile platforms throughout the day
  • Summarize information into easy-to-understand components

Requirements

  • 2+ years of anchor experience required
  • 2+ years of reporting experience required
  • Your demo reel is indicative of your everyday work
  • Anchor that connects with viewers, in addition to reporting skills. 
  • Operate mobile transmission devices and use latest technology.
  • Can work in all weather conditions, work varied shifts, including overnights and weekends
  • Have a valid driver's license and a clear driving record
  • Have and exhibit unwavering journalistic integrity and ethical standards
  • Can deal with the stresses and pressures of time-sensitive newscast production

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 you. 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
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.