2008 Episodes
Iowa Looks at the Economic Big Picture (#209)
Originally aired on December 18, 2008
Are the good times gone for good? The Iowa Journal will get into big economic ideas. What can turn this economy from heading down to heading back up?
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Iowa Flood Stories 2008 (#208)
Originally aired on December 11, 2008
In this special edition of The Iowa Journal, Out and About Correspondent Dan Kaercher travels through Iowa's eastern river valleys, reporting what happened to individuals and communities during and after the floods of 2008.
(28:46)
Episode Detail
Ethanol and Politics in Iowa (Full Program) (#206)
Originally aired on November 13, 2008
Iowa's agricultural economy has been cushioned in recent years by the upstart of dozens of biofuel factories around the state. This Iowa Journal looks at the politics of ethanol.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
DTV Converters And Reception - Part 1 (#205)
Originally aired on November 6, 2008
Iowans' questions about the digital television transition are answered in the first segment of the 90-minute program.
(30:00)
Episode Detail
U.S. Economy - Iowa's Place in the Financial Crisis (Full Program) (#204)
Originally aired on October 30, 2008
Experts discuss the recent national financial crisis and look at the probable fall-out in Iowa.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Iowa Congressional District #1 (Full Profile) (#203)
Originally aired on October 23, 2008
The Iowa Journal will examine the issues facing Iowa’s 1st Congressional District as election day draws near.
(27:47)
Episode Detail
World Food Prize 2008: McGovern and Dole (Full Program) (#202)
Originally aired on October 16, 2008
"The Iowa Journal" discusses world hunger with the 2008 Laureates, former U.S. Senators Robert Dole and George McGovern.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Iowa Congressional District #4 (Full Program) (#201)
Originally aired on October 9, 2008
The 4th district is Iowa's only district will no big cities. How does small-town and rural Iowa look at the issues of the 2008 election? The Iowa Journal looks at the economy through the 4th district's eyes.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Iowa Congressional District #2 (Full Program) (#178)
Originally aired on October 2, 2008
With the upcoming congressional race between incumbent Dave Loesbeck (D) and Marianette Miller-Meeks (R) Ottumwa, "The Iowa Journal" takes a look at the issues facing the state's 2nd congressional district. The second district is comprised of 15 counties, mainly in southeast Iowa.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Iowa Congressional District #3 (Full Program) (#177)
Originally aired on September 25, 2008
Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District covers 12 counties located in central Iowa, from Polk County in the west to Benton and Iowa Counties in the east, and Grundy County in the north to Lucas and Monroe Counties in the south. The district is home to 622,000 Iowans, with 65 percent living in Polk County.
The Iowa Journal travels to some of the farthest corners of the district to visit with journalists and county chairs about the issues unique to this area of the state, including:
* Joe Judge, Monroe County Democratic chair and Albia High School teacher
* Alice DeRycke, Iowa County Republican chair and farmer
* Duane Nollen, editor of The Oskaloosa Herald
* Steve Richardson, vineyard manager at Tassel Ridge Winery
* Randall Forsyth, Benton County Sheriff
Paul Yeager interviews two guests in the studio to discuss the 3rd Congressional District: Tama County native Dave Paxton, publisher of the Chariton and Albia newspapers, and Richard Doak, retired editor and columnist for The Des Moines Register currently teaching at Iowa State University and Simpson College.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Auto Racing in Iowa (Full Program) (#176)
Originally aired on September 18, 2008
Across the state in almost every county on any weekend evening during warm months you can hear the roar of an engine coming from a race track. This episode of The Iowa Journal explores auto racing and its impact on the Iowa economy.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Rebuilding Iowa: September '08 Iowa Storm Call-in (#175)
Originally aired on September 11, 2008
Experts from flood and disaster agencies answer viewer questions on this live hour-long episode of The Iowa Journal, hosted by Paul Yeager.
(58:00)
Episode Detail
Iowa Congressional District #5 Profile (Full Program) (#174)
Originally aired on September 5, 2008
The Iowa Journal profiles Iowa's 5th Congressional District and looks towards the issues that will color voter's decisions during the election campaign of 2008.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Storm Water Management - Flood Prevention (Full Program) (#173)
Originally aired on August 29, 2008
Two-thirds of the water reaching Iowa's landscape goes directly to rivers, streams and lakes often causing flooding the likes of which were seen this summer in much of Iowa. "The Iowa Journal" will explore flood prevention measures, such as prairies, wetlands, rain gardens and other landscaping and construction techniques currently in use in several parts of the state.
(28:46)
Episode Detail
Gambling and Iowa's Economy - Davenport Talks (Full Program) (#172)
Originally aired on August 21, 2008
The Iowa Journal broadcasts live from the spot where gambling in Iowa started, Davenport. Gambling money is still coming into the state's coffers, but at what cost? Have we saturated the market with gambling?
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Olympic Iowans (Full Program) (#171)
Originally aired on August 7, 2008
This special Iowa Journal focuses on Iowa's Olympic hopefuls. Athlete profiles include Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones, and wrestler Doug Schwab. Former Olympians Natasha Kaiser-Brown and Dan Gable provide commentary.
(28:46)
Episode Detail
What To Do About Trash (Full Program) (#170)
Originally aired on July 31, 2008
Iowa Journal is talking trash – how much stuff Americans have, what happens to it when we’re done with it, and how we can reduce it.
(27:47)
Episode Detail
Rivers as Recreation (Full Program) (#167)
Originally aired on July 10, 2008
Examine the efforts to attract canoeists, kayakers and others to Iowa's rivers for recreation.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Floods 2008: Impact on Children (Full Program) (#166)
Originally aired on June 26, 2008
Parents and child care specialists discuss how to help children during unsettled times on this episode of The Iowa Journal.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Ask the Experts: Your Disaster Questions Answered (#165)
Originally aired on June 19, 2008
Experts from flood and disaster agencies answer viewer questions on this live hour-long episode of The Iowa Journal, hosted by Paul Yeager.
(57:47)
Episode Detail
Iowa Floods and Natural Disasters - Taking Stock (Full Program) (#164)
Originally aired on June 12, 2008
The Iowa Journal will assess the economic impact from the storms with David Swenson, an Iowa State University economist and L.D. McMullen, retired CEO and General Manager of the Des Moines Water Works.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Iowa Immigration Solutions (Full Program) (#163)
Originally aired on June 5, 2008
The Iowa Journal looks for ways the state can encourage legal methods of importing the estimated 300,000 people needed to continue business as usual.
(27:44)
Episode Detail
Aftermath of Parkersburg Tornado (Full Program) (#162)
Originally aired on May 29, 2008
The Iowa Journal takes a look at the aftermath of the tornado that struck Parkersburg Iowa on Sunday, May 25, 2008.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
What Should You Know About the Korean War? (Full Program) (#161)
Originally aired on May 26, 2008
It was the bloodiest foreign war in U.S. history, but what do you know about the Korean War? This is a primer.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Food vs. Fuel - Are We Taking Agriculture for Granted? (Full Program) (#160)
Originally aired on May 22, 2008
Higher Gas Prices (Full Program) (#159)
Originally aired on May 19, 2008
Gas prices are climbing it seems every day and approaching the $4 mark. So what does that mean?
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Iowa's Municipal Sewage Treatment (Full Program) (#158)
Originally aired on May 15, 2008
Iowa faces a crumbling underground infrastructure of sewer lines that if go unfixed can divert, or leech, untreated wastewater into nearby streams and rivers.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Iowa Film Industry - Have Incentives Worked? (Full Program) (#157)
Originally aired on May 12, 2008
Iowa's burgeoning film industry is creating an economic opportunity for many Iowans.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
2010 - Is Iowa Meeting the Challenges? (Full Program) (#156)
Originally aired on May 8, 2008
The Iowa Journal looks at the future of Iowa. There are less than two years on the clock before we hit 2010. We'll check on progress of the Iowa 2010 plan commissioned in 2000. We'll also head to Red Oak for our Out and About segment.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Green Interiors (Full Program) (#155)
Originally aired on May 5, 2008
Indoor air quality is often worse than outdoor air quality. We'll look at ways to breath easier in our homes.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Legal Addictions (Full Program) (#154)
Originally aired on April 28, 2008
Smoking, drinking and gambling are all legal pastimes for adults in Iowa. They’re used to relax, socialize, and celebrate - as such, for many hold positive associations. And although they’re legal, use of these substances can have serious negative consequences.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Wind Energy in Iowa (Full Program) (#153)
Originally aired on April 24, 2008
Wind power, and its potential in Iowa's future are discussed on this episode of "The Iowa Journal."
(27:46)
Episode Detail
King Corn - How Iowa Agriculture Works (Full Program) (#152)
Originally aired on April 21, 2008
The film, "King Corn," was shot in 2004 on a farm near Greene, IA. The grain market has changed dramatically since then. What exactly are those changes and does the movie still have relevance to today's agriculture?
(27:47)
Episode Detail
Iowa Juvenile Detention (Full Program) (#151)
Originally aired on April 17, 2008
The Iowa Journal looks at trends in criminal activity in Iowa, and current issues in the Juvenile Justice System.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Green Construction in Iowa (Full Program) (#150)
Originally aired on April 14, 2008
Saving money and saving the planet are two of the good reasons architects around the state give for designing sustainable "green" buildings. The Iowa Journal investigates.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Rural Development in Iowa (Full Program) (#149)
Originally aired on April 10, 2008
If you can't "keep 'em down on the farm," can you at least keep some of the family money in the community? Some rural communities are using state gaming revenues to establish county community foundations to foster improvements to their way of life.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Iowa's Music Industry (Full Program) (#148)
Originally aired on April 7, 2008
New technologies may well shift power from music recording "moguls" to the artists, including the Iowa musicians who create what we want to hear. But no one has a clear view of the way to play the future. On this Iowa Journal, we’ll examine the potential for growth in the state’s music industry.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Caring for Parents in Iowa (Full Program) (#146)
Originally aired on March 31, 2008
Find out about Heartland Adult Day Center in Ames, and visit Elizabeth Buchwald who cares for her mother in-law and her mother in-law's sister in her home.
(25:44)
Episode Detail
Rehabbing Old Iowa Malls (Full Program) (#145)
Originally aired on March 27, 2008
What does a community do with a failing mall? It’s a dilemma that threatens the tax base and economies of a growing number of cities. Saving retail dinosaurs and the communities where they are is at issue on “The Iowa Journal.”
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Five Years of War in Iraq - The Effects on Iowa (Full Program) (#144)
Originally aired on March 24, 2008
The Role of Iowa Community Colleges (Full Program) (#143)
Originally aired on March 17, 2008
With 15 community colleges serving 99 counties, the community college system is arguably the most valued public institution in Iowa. Discussing this issue with The Iowa Journal are guests Rob Denson and Bob Mundt.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Juvenile Justice in Iowa (Full Program) (#142)
Originally aired on February 28, 2008
The Iowa Journal looks at trends in criminal activity in Iowa, and current issues in the Juvenile Justice System.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Iowa's Infrastructure (Full Program) (#141)
Originally aired on February 25, 2008
Is it time for Iowa to begin moving people, commerce and information differently? Is it time to overhaul the state’s infrastructure? The answers to those questions could define the state for the rest of the century. Iowa's Infrastructure is examined on The Iowa Journal.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Iowa's Music Industry (Full Program) (#140)
Originally aired on February 21, 2008
New technologies may well shift power from music recording "moguls" to the artists, including the Iowa musicians who create what we want to hear. But no one has a clear view of the way to play the future. On the next The Iowa Journal we’ll examine the potential for growth in the state’s music industry.
(27:45)
Episode Detail
Biotech Businesses in Iowa (Full Program) (#139)
Originally aired on February 18, 2008
Iowa invests millions of dollars to attract biotech businesses in the name of economic development. Just what is biotech and are we getting our money's worth? The Iowa Journal asks these questions and more.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Gambling in Iowa (Full Program) (#138)
Originally aired on February 14, 2008
A generation ago it would have been hard to imagine Iowa as a gambling Mecca. But today billions are wagered in the state and seemingly every community that doesn’t have a casino, wants one. But is the industry helping the state or just siphoning money from it? The Iowa Journal examines the state of gambling.
(28:46)
Episode Detail
Author - Columnist Leonard Pitts (Full Program) (#137)
Originally aired on February 11, 2008
Featured guest of this program is Pulitzer winning Miami Heard columnist Leonard Pitt Jr. Mr. Pitt addresses a number of topics ranging from the Obama surge to life in the U.S. since 9-11.
(26:46)
Episode Detail
The Influence of Lobbyists in Iowa (Full Program) (#136)
Originally aired on February 7, 2008
There are 685 individuals registered to lobby at the state legislature. That's 4.5 lobbyists per lawmaker. How much influence they have on the legislative process is discussed with Charlie Smithson, Executive Director and Legal Council for the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board and Rep. Scott Raecker, R-Urbandale, on the Iowa House Ethics committee.
(27:45)
Episode Detail
The Role of Iowa Community Colleges (Full Program) (#135)
Originally aired on February 4, 2008
With 15 community colleges serving 99 counties, the community college system is arguably the most valued public institution in Iowa. Discussing this issue with The Iowa Journal are guests Rob Denson and Bob Mundt.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Multitasking in the Digital Age (Full Program) (#134)
Originally aired on January 31, 2008
The internet, cell phones, iPods, and more - how are multitasking gadgets changing the way we gather information, communicate, socialize, work and learn?
(27:47)
Episode Detail
Iowa Water Issues (Full Program) (#133)
Originally aired on January 28, 2008
Iowa may seem rich in water resources, but how much of it is protected from pollution and available for Iowans to use for drinking water, recreation and industry?
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Roads and Bridges (Full Program) (#132)
Originally aired on January 24, 2008
Roads, bridges and a whole lot more about infrastructure will be the focus of our next The Iowa Journal. We’ll also take a look how we can pay for the systems we need.
(27:47)
Episode Detail
Disproportionate Minorities in Iowa Prisons (Full Program) (#131)
Originally aired on January 21, 2008
Iowa has a smaller minority population than most states, but a sizable portion of that sector is in prison. The Iowa Journal discusses the challenges in fighting this status with representatives from the Iowa Juvenile Justice System's new task force.
(26:46)
Episode Detail
The Iowa Prison System (Full Program) (#130)
Originally aired on January 17, 2008
Being tough on crime is not cheap. The Iowa Journal examines the rising cost of incarceration, takes a look behind the headlines, and learns that a historic prison town has more to offer than just internment.
(27:38)
Episode Detail
Student Debt (Full Program) (#129)
Originally aired on January 14, 2008
Can Iowans afford college? We explore that matter, including a look at an ambitious community-driven plan to finance higher education for its own residents.
(28:01)
Episode Detail
Iowa Legislative Preview (Full Program) (#128)
Originally aired on January 10, 2008
When the legislators reconvene in Des Moines next Monday, which will be their most pressing issues? We preview the 2008 session, paying particular attention to small business issues, including affordable health care insurance for employees.
(27:15)
Episode Detail
Walkable Communities and Fitness (Full Program) (#127)
Originally aired on January 7, 2008
Health experts say that 30 minutes of walking a day is as important as an apple in “keeping the doctor away.” Exercise can be life-enhancing even for those few among us who aren’t overweight. How do we keep enticing and encouraging ourselves to get up and stay in shape?
(27:46)
Episode Detail
The Caucuses Are Upon Us (Full Program) (#126)
Originally aired on January 3, 2008
The Iowa Journal examines the latest information from the edge of the decision and explores the campaigns from an outsider’s perspective.
(27:46)
Episode Detail
Episodes by Year
The Show
Iowa Public Television produces The Iowa Journal, a regular, in-depth look at the issues that impact Iowans. The series analyzes various issues and events that are in the news. It also explores Iowa's variety and diversity.
The Hosts
A native of Minneapolis and graduate of Bowdoin College, Amy Johnson Boyle earned her masters degree in journalism from Northwestern University in 1987. After serving as a reporter and anchor at KGAN-TV in Cedar Rapids for more than 13 years, Amy left TV in 2001 to become Director of Marketing & Public Relations at Coe College. She accepted a position at the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce in 2003, where she currently serves as Director of Marketing &...
Paul Yeager comes to IPTV after several stops around Iowa including north, eastern and central Iowa.
Paul started his full-time broadcasting career in Mason City at KIMT-TV as a reporter and eventually weekend anchor. Then it was six years in Davenport at KWQC-TV as weekend anchor and reporter. Most recently Paul worked at WHO-TV on the assignment...
David Yepsen is a Political Columnist for the Des Moines Register, and is widely recognized as an expert on the Iowa Political scene.
As a political writer for 30-years, Yepsen has covered campaigns and elections in Iowa, and the legislative business at the Iowa General Assembly, as well. Additionally, in the arena of presidential politics, Yepsen has come to be known for his expertise on the Iowa Caucus, and is a frequent contributor on national news-interviews...
