2026 Fall newsroom internship

USA-Today-Co.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

USA TODAY Co., Inc. in Des Moines offers a fall 2026 paid journalism internship for Iowa college students and recent graduates. This 20-hour-per-week role focuses on news reporting, photography or videography and is based in Des Moines.

The successful candidate will have journalism-related experience, work up to 20 hours weekly in a high-pressure newsroom, and receive guidance from veteran editors, with some evening/weekend availability and Election Day exposure.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in or recently graduated from an Iowa college or university program (junior year or beyond preferred).
• Familiarity with newswriting style.
• Critical thinking, adaptability, and attention to detail.
• Requires valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and minimum liability insurance as per state law.
• Availability for some evening and weekend work.
• Des Moines-based internship.

Responsibilities

• Research and gather information from various sources.
• Produce written and multimedia content.
• Collaborate in brainstorming sessions.

Skills

Newswriting

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Journalism program

Job description

Posted Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 4:00 AM

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY , and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest , a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ , supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. USA TODAY Co. open roles are featured on various external job boards. When applying to a position at USA TODAY Co., you should be completing an application on USA TODAY Co. Careers viaDayforce . Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid. If you are a California resident, you acknowledge that by applying for a job with us, this California Job Applicant Privacy Notice will apply to our collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information. To connect with us, visit www.usatodayco.com

The Des Moines Register, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is offering a fall 2026 paid journalism internship to Iowa college students and recent graduates. The fall, 20-hour-a-week internship is open to candidates interested in news reporting, photography or videography. It is based in Des Moines.

The successful candidate will have some experience in journalism, in school or in a professional setting. They will be able to work 20 hours per week in a high-pressure newsroom setting.

• Hourly rate is $18.00
• 20-hours per week (some flexibility in setting which hours are worked)
• There will be rolling application reviews through Aug. 31.
• Covering news and enterprise
• Guidance from veteran editors
• Working Election Day/night and with the politics team in the days leading up to Nov. 3
• Work will be published in the Des Moines Register and desmoinesregister.com

Responsibilities

• Research and gather information from various sources
• Produce written and multimedia content
• Collaborate in brainstorming sessions

Requirements

• Enrolled in or recently graduated from an Iowa college or university program (junior year or beyond preferred)
• Familiarity with newswriting style
• Critical thinking, adaptability, and attention to detail
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Availability for some evening and weekend work
• This is a Des Moines-based internship.

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at [e-mail] . Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.