Cedar Rapids–Waterloo–Iowa City–Dubuque, Iowa Media Landscape Overview

This multi‑city Eastern Iowa DMA spans manufacturing, agriculture, education, and healthcare. Broadcasters emphasize severe weather, river flooding, transportation, and campus/community news for OTA, cable, and CTV audiences.

Media Ownership & Regulation

Network affiliates and subchannels operate with Iowa PBS and public radio; EAS partners coordinate for tornadoes, derechos, winter storms, and floods.

FCC translators extend coverage across river valleys; universities and civic groups collaborate on public‑service and educational programming.

Digital Transformation & Connectivity

Simulcasts on apps/YouTube and FAST extend reach; push alerts and newsletters support commuters and schools.

Broadband availability supports remote work and study; libraries and campuses bolster media literacy and device access.

Leading Television Channels

• ABC affiliate: Local news, weather, investigations.
• CBS affiliate: Breaking news and sports.
• NBC affiliate: Consumer reporting and alerts.
• FOX affiliate: NFL, entertainment, local updates.
• Iowa PBS: Educational/cultural programming.
• The CW/MyNetworkTV: Syndicated entertainment and features.
• Spanish‑language (regional): News and variety.
• Ion/MeTV (subs): Procedurals/classic TV.
• Weather subchannels: Continuous forecasts and radar.
• Local access: Public meetings and community programs.

Major Radio Broadcasting Networks

• NPR member stations: News/talk and statewide reporting.
• All‑news/Traffic/Weather: Commute and alerts.
• Country: Local hosts and promotions.
• Top 40/CHR: Contemporary hits.
• Adult Contemporary: Workplace playlists.
• Classic Rock: Catalog programming.
• Sports: Talk and play‑by‑play.
• Faith/Inspirational: Religious programming.
• Spanish‑language (regional): Music and outreach.
• Public safety/NOAA: Weather and emergency bulletins.

Media Consumption Patterns & Audience Behavior

Digital Engagement

CTV and social video extend reach beyond prime; push alerts support river levels, road closures, and school schedules.

Universities, agencies, and health systems use Facebook/Instagram/YouTube for alerts and events.

Traditional Habits

OTA TV and radio remain essential for weather and local sports; drive‑time radio retains commuters across corridors.

Public media and weeklies sustain hyperlocal reporting across cities and towns.

Market Metrics & Industry Statistics

Media Trust & Consumer Preferences

Trust Landscape

Meteorology, investigative units, and public media explainers rate highly; clear, accessible updates broaden reach.

Transparency and community engagement strengthen trust during storms and elections.

Audience Preferences

Weather, college sports, community services, and lifestyle perform well; short‑form advisories drive engagement.

Streaming replays and newsletters complement linear schedules.

Sources

• https://www.iowapbs.org/
• https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/report/2025/the-gauge-may-2025/
• https://www.fcc.gov/media/television/broadcast-ownership