What we do

The Iowa Capitol Press Association exists to promote and support robust coverage of Iowa state government for the benefit of the public, and to advocate for policies that encourage transparency, access, and for conditions in which press corps members can conduct their work safely and effectively.

Who we are

The Iowa Capitol Press Association's members include journalists employed by more than a dozen print, radio, television, and online media outlets who cover Iowa state government, including the Iowa Legislature, the governor's office and state government agencies.

Officers

President: Erin Murphy

Vice President: Kathie Obradovich

Secretary: Katarina Sostaric

Recent News

January 3, 2023

Legislative preview forum canceled; ICPA expresses concern with statehouse leaders' declining availability


The 2023 edition of the Iowa Capitol Press Association’s annual legislative preview forum has been canceled after Gov. Kim Reynolds, Republican Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver and Republican House Speaker Pat Grassley declined an invitation to the event, breaking with more than two decades of tradition.


The Iowa Capitol Press Association is very disappointed with this decision by Republican statehouse leaders, a decision that continues an unsettling trend of reduced availability to Iowa journalists. The ICPA continues to believe elected officials who craft state laws and operate state government should be accessible to the journalists who monitor that work on behalf of all Iowans.


The ICPA hopes to resume the forum – which has been held annually for more than 20 years, previously by the Associated Press – next year or at another time in another form.


December 20, 2022

Iowa Capitol Press Association amends bylaws, including membership guidelines


Iowa Capitol Press Association members on Friday, Dec. 16, voted to amend the organization’s bylaws, including by updating the membership guidelines and making other technical changes. The updates were the result of ICPA's annual bylaws review.


The updates were made after discussion by ICPA members over what types of political activities should be unacceptable for membership in a group that reports on Iowa state government. The updated bylaws make clear that an individual who works for a political campaign should not be eligible for ICPA membership.


This amendment was made without political consideration. The ICPA membership continues to include journalists who cover Iowa state government from both liberal and conservative perspectives, in addition to those who strive for ideologically neutral coverage.


The Iowa Capitol Press Association’s bylaws can be viewed here at iowacapitolpress.com.