Welcome to the new, improved Iowa Independent!

Just after our first anniversary, we have relaunched with a new look, an improved software platform, and a renewed commitment to providing our readers news they won’t find anywhere else.

In our first year, we quickly grew to become Iowa’s top online-only news outlet.  We helped shape the historic presidential caucus and primary season, writing stories last winter that still earn attention from traditional media.  We grew a loyal readership numbering in the thousands.  We broke stories and influenced news cycles.  And above all else, we worked hard to remain true to our guiding principles.

Now, more than 14 months and 2,500 stories into this experiment, we remain as enthusiastic about the potential of new media as ever.  The internet is the most immediate, individualized format for reading news, and the barriers to entry are low.  In an era of newspaper shrinkage and newsroom belt-tightening, the low overhead costs of online distribution could be the key to a new, more sustainable model of journalism.

Going forward, we’re committed, as we always have been, to providing coverage that is both fair and honest.  We’ll provide unique, local perspectives on current events, and we’ll seek out constituencies who need a voice for their underrepresented concerns.  On the campaign trail, our reporting won’t just quote canned lines and buy into the media-constructed narrative of the day; we’ll put campaign events and candidate spats in context.

Our new format enables us to distribute news with even more immediacy using the new blog in the right column of our homepage.  It should also enhance your experience as a reader by presenting more information in one place.

As always, if you have suggestions, news tips, or questions, do not hesitate to contact us.