The Des Moines Register holds a century-long record as one of the most-honored U.S. regional newspapers, with 17 Pulitzer Prizes spanning editorial writing, national reporting, photography, editorial cartooning and public service. Its Des Moines statehouse bureau and Iowa Caucuses coverage give it unmatched authority in Iowa politics, while its 175-year brand, statewide distribution and USA TODAY Network backing extend reach beyond local competitors.

The Register also benefits from a diversified digital presence across website, mobile apps, newsletters and social platforms, combined with a newsroom leadership structure that has recently renewed editorial direction.

Before Des Moines incorporated as a city, the newspaper that became the Des Moines Register was published in 1849 in a log cabin that had been part of Fort Des Moines. It evolved through the Iowa Statesman, Iowa State Journal and Iowa State Register before George Roberts combined the Iowa State Register and Iowa State Leader into the Des Moines Register and Leader in 1902.

Gardner Cowles purchased the combined paper in 1903, added the Des Moines Tribune as an afternoon sister publication in 1908, and dropped the "Leader" name in 1915 to create the modern Des Moines Register. The Tribune ceased publication in 1982 and Gannett purchased the Register in 1985.

The Des Moines Register is owned by Gannett and operates as part of the USA TODAY Network. Its newsroom is located at 400 Locust Street, Suite 500, Des Moines, Iowa 50309, and it serves readers throughout Iowa with a mix of local, state and national coverage.

As of 2025, Rachel E. Stassen-Berger serves as executive editor, succeeding Carol Hunter, who retired after a 45-year journalism career.

The Des Moines Register is Iowa's largest daily newspaper and a leading source of Iowa news, politics, state government, sports and agriculture. Founded in 1849 and owned by Gannett as part of the USA TODAY Network, it delivers journalism through print, website, mobile apps, newsletters and social media to readers across Iowa.

The Register's coverage emphasizes statehouse reporting, Iowa Caucuses and political coverage, investigative journalism, and high-school and collegiate sports, supported by a Des Moines newsroom and statewide distribution.