Iowans read, watch, blog, Tweet to stay informed

By Gale Smetana

So many sources; so little time. With leaps in technology, Iowans can get their news in more ways and from more sources than at any other time in history. Whether it’s skimming web feeds on iowa.com’s news page or through a personalized portal like iGoogle, breezing through printed headlines, watching streaming newscasts or following Twitter reports by cell phone, the Iowa news junkie has plenty of options.

You’ll find a list of Iowa newspapers with a Web presence right here on iowa.com or you can use the Iowa Newspaper Association’s search tool.

Larger newspapers like the Des Moines Register, The Gazette (Cedar Rapids-Iowa City corridor) and the Quad-City Times, have large, intricate web sites for consuming and engaging in news. Smaller papers keep their communities informed but with a more limited web presence.

You’ll also find a map and links to Iowa television and radio stations at the Archives of Iowa Broadcasting web site. Our iGuide can also help you pinpoint media throughout the state.

In today’s digital age, readers can sign up for personalized weather forecasts and get news and information delivered to their cell phone, email in-box or PDA device. They can blog on their favorite topic and Tweet their activities at any given moment for the world to see. Now, more than ever, readers engage in discussions and offer feedback.

Follow Iowa Tweets and get the latest news from around Iowa on the Iowa.com news page.

Learn more:

• Lists of Iowa media online

Iowa media blogs:

• Complete Community Connection
• Sarah Sinnard’s Blog
• Puttin’ on the Gaz / Steve Buttry
• Content Ninja’s Weblog
• For the Heck of it
• Do you know of another Iowa media blog? Email us at content@iowa.com.

Your turn: What should a cohesive information stream about Iowa look like? How can Iowans (in the media or not) work together to contribute? Share your views by commenting on this page.