Newspaper writer - remote ***experience required***

Remote Reporter / Newspaper Writer
Nelson Media Company
Remote Position | Part-Time / Freelance Opportunities Available

Nelson Media Company is seeking an experienced and motivated Remote Reporter / Newspaper Writer to help cover local government, schools, city councils, county boards, public meetings, and community news across several of our newspapers throughout Iowa.

This position is ideal for someone who believes in the importance of local journalism, understands AP style writing, and can independently produce accurate, fair, and engaging stories that matter to local communities.

We are looking for a self-starter with strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and a passion for journalism. The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys building relationships within communities, asking thoughtful questions, and producing meaningful local reporting on a consistent basis.

Responsibilities:

  • Cover city council, county board, school board, and other government meetings
  • Write accurate, timely, and engaging newspaper articles in AP style
  • Conduct interviews with public officials, community leaders, and residents
  • Assist with coverage across multiple Nelson Media Company newspapers
  • Meet deadlines consistently and communicate effectively with editors
  • Help contribute to the strong culture and growth of Nelson Media Company

Qualifications:

  • Previous journalism or newspaper writing experience is required
  • Strong writing, grammar, and interviewing skills
  • Knowledge of AP style preferred
  • Ability to work independently and manage deadlines remotely
  • Positive attitude and willingness to be part of a growing company culture
  • Reliable transportation is preferred for local meeting coverage

Compensation:

Pay ranges from $10 to $17 per hour based on experience, though most writers are compensated on a per-article basis depending on experience, coverage area, and workload.

About Nelson Media Company:

Nelson Media Company is one of the fastest-growing local media companies in Iowa, focused on strong community journalism, digital growth, and high-quality storytelling across multiple newspapers and media platforms.

To apply, please send your resume, writing samples, and a short introduction to:

Chris Nelson
Founder & CEO
Nelson Media Company
cnelson@nelsonmediacompany.com

Pay: $10.00 - $17.00 per hour

Work Location: Remote

Back to blog

Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...