Posts by Erica Michelsen
“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…
Read MoreLast Call to Join Digital Ambassador Program
In a first-of-its-kind opportunity, the Iowa Newspaper Association is partnering with Iowa State University and Drake University to launch the Walt Potter Digital Ambassadors Program in Iowa. The program provides newspapers with on-site digital expertise to enhance their online presence and audience engagement. The program originated in Missouri, where Walt Potter Jr. partnered with the…
Read MoreExplore a new solution for preserving digital news:
We’re looking to expand on a pilot program developed by the Reynolds Journalism Institute and Portico. The program is exploring a scalable, long-term solution for preserving digital news content. This came out of a report RJI did into 2021 that showed most news organizations lack a comprehensive strategy to preserve digital content. Through this pilot…
Read MoreSoaring High: The Talon’s Journey to Success
Article by Levi Foster Former magazine publisher turned English teacher revives Ankeny High’s journalism program. A few years ago, Ankeny’s journalism program, The Talon, was nonexistent. With only a handful of students in class, the future of the program looked bleak. Now, The Talon is in contention for the 2025 All-Iowa News Team and won…
Read MoreGet to know Levi Foster, INA’s newest intern
Please welcome our newest team member, Levi Foster from Ankeny High School. Levi will create content highlighting some of the state’s top high school journalism programs and covering the expansion of journalism among younger generations. Before accepting the internship position at the Iowa Newspaper Association, Levi served on The Talon, Ankeny High School’s news team.…
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