Posts by Erica Michelsen
INF Launches New Business-for-Good Journalism Contest
The Iowa Newspaper Foundation has launched the first-annual Iowa Business-for-Good Journalism Contest, inviting college students across the state to explore how Iowa businesses create both economic value and positive social impact. This unique contest requires two-student teams, one journalism student and one business student, to collaborate on an original, unpublished story produced between Sept. 1,…
Read MoreGood news for local media as the government reopens
The National Newspaper Association and its partners were once again happy to see the recognition by Congress of the vital role community newspapers play in sharing information to small and rural markets. As part of the package of bills approved by the Senate and the House to get the government open after the historic 43-day…
Read MoreCongratulations to Woodward Writing Workshop Participants
Nine Iowa newspapers employees recently completed the Woodward Writing Workshop. This program is designed to provide participants with multiple contacts with a professional coach to build interviewing, writing and story development skills. Following a one-day kick off, participants have one-on-one conferences with a writing coach over the course of four weeks to hone their skills.…
Read MoreIowa Newspaper Foundation Partners with iJAG
The Iowa Newspaper Foundation (INF) has begun developing a partnership with iJAG with two main goals: helping students become stronger communicators and raising awareness of the newspaper industry and its career opportunities. As part of this collaboration, INF participated in the annual iJAG Leadership and Development Conference and presented a session on social media to…
Read More“Not only did I improve my speaking skills, but I also became a much better writer.”
I am Danica VanGorkom. I graduated from Algona High School in 2024 and am going into my sophomore year at the University of Iowa. I am majoring in Journalism and Mass Communications, and I would love to work as a reporter or journalist in the future. This summer I had the opportunity to work at…
Read More“The newspaper and media business is a career path I am a lot more interested in exploring post-grad.”
My name is Maureen McDermott. I am a Junior at Iowa State University studying Communications and History. This past summer, I interned at the Spencer Daily Reporter. I had a great experience at the Daily Reporter. Throughout my time working there this summer, I learned a great deal…
Read MoreHidden treasures at the State Historical Society of Iowa
Researchers know that newspapers are the first draft of history. One of the hidden treasures at the State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI) is a magnificent collection of Iowa newspapers, guarded for more than a century and a half. This collection is now threatened by state officials. In 2023, State government was realigned, and control…
Read More‘Our love for journalism bonds us together.’
Article by Levi Foster From July 7th to July 10th, students from across the country traveled to Des Moines, Iowa, where Drake University hosted a special event: a journalism camp held by Media Now. All students are welcome, whether they are from Iowa or not, or if they aren’t planning on being a journalist in…
Read MoreMores Media Fellowship Alumni
The Mores Media Fellowship alumni gathered this summer for a session of ongoing education and networking. The fellowship will introduce a new class every two years, alternating with alumni meetups. The group participated in a half-day leadership training, followed by dinner and a social event. Learn more here
Read MoreThe Iowa Mock Trial Courtroom Journalist Competition
The Iowa Mock Trial Courtroom Journalist Competition is returning both statewide and nationally in Des Moines next spring. Students will attend a mock trial and write a piece according to what they see. The goal for students is to write a fair and informative piece, as they will be graded on the clarity of the…
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