Iowa 4-H Reporters

The Iowa 4-H Reporters program is an opportunity for youth in the position of Reporter, Historian, or Photographer in their local clubs and youth who have an interest in media and communications projects. This program offers in-depth hands-on learning experiences with partner organizations, as well as self-directed project creation as a part of a reporting team at the Iowa State Fair.

Youth grades 9-12 selected for this program will have the opportunity to:

  • Work with professional mentors in partnership with Iowa PBS and iHeart Radio
  • Work on a team with other youth in Iowa who have an interest in Media and Communications
  • Serve as a 4-H Reporter during the Iowa State Fair (August 14-18, 2023)
  • Attend a full day training workshop with professional partners from Iowa PBS and iHeart Radio
  • Receive state-wide recognition for their work on this project

How to Apply

  • Participants are selected through “State 4-H Recognition Day.” This process includes submitting a one-page cover letter and a one-page resume. 4-H Members can apply in January, and winners are announced in April.
  • 4-H members may apply to be in this program as many times as they wish.
  • Up to sixteen participants will be selected in April for the upcoming June-August events.
  • No interview is required. All participants will be selected through written application materials only.
  • Information, support, and resources for the application process can be found on the State 4-H Recognition Day webpage and in the sidebar on this page.

Team Roles

Each participant will have the opportunity to serve in one or more of our team roles: 

  • Producer: Leads group. Uses good listening skills when interacting with the crew. Treats other crew members with respect. Makes arrangements for production of the story. Conducts the interview. Determines the direction of the story. Uses good listening skills during interview. Decides if the way the story is being covered needs to change direction once production is underway in the field. Acts as second set of “eyes” when gathering b-roll. Reviews footage in order to tell the story with the best video elements. Writes a concise report that establishes what the conflict or need might be, the people involved and the resolution if there is one.
  • Audio: Gathers sound during the interview and from b-roll locations. Controls audio levels making sure the sound is not too low or distorted. Determines if background or wind noise is too much during interview situations. Monitors sound during b-roll collection to be sure the sound is not too low or distorted.
  • Social Media: Edits and shares the story on various social media platforms. Makes sure the story is consistent and successful on each platform.
  • Video/Photography: Uses the camera to help tell the story. Uses tripods or holds the camera as needed to tell the story. Gathers b-roll by recording video sequences of wide, medium and close-up formats. Decides if a zoom is appropriate instead of gathering three angles where one will work. Determines best location for interviews. Monitors the exposure and framing of the scenes by utilizing the rule of thirds. Responsible for helping tell the story by finding the best video and audio to support the story as written by the Producer.

Check out prior years' video reports from the Iowa State Fair!

Clark Colby

cacolby3@iastate.edu

515-419-3301

  • Iowa Public Television
  • iHeart Radio