A newspaper columnist writes regular columns with a cohesive argument or analysis on a given subject, with topics chosen by editors or established columnists. They must meet strict deadlines and follow journalistic ethics. Interactive columns solicit letters from the public. Established columnists have more freedom and may become syndicated and branch out into other media.
A newspaper columnist produces a regular column, which can vary in length, frequency and content, depending largely on the section of the newspaper in which it appears. A newspaper columnist’s goal is to continuously present a cohesive argument or analysis of a given subject within the general genre of the column. For example, a newspaper columnist who writes for the arts and entertainment section might write a column reviewing the latest cultural happenings in the readership area, or a columnist who appears in the finance section might write a column on money-saving tips. An exception can be humor columns, which can often pointlessly change the subject from beginning to end of the column for comedic purposes.
A newspaper columnist who is just starting out in journalism and has yet to establish a name in the field is more likely to be given his topics by an editor. Columnists who have established a reputation and voice in journalism are generally given more freedom in all aspects of their column, including the authority to choose the topic and direction of each of their columns. An established newspaper columnist also has one more opportunity to become syndicated, which means their column runs in newspapers around the world, while emerging columnists often appear exclusively in one newspaper. New and established columnists are expected to meet strict deadlines, as newspaper publishing leaves little room for deadline flexibility.
While most newspaper columnists appear weekly, some appear semi-annually, monthly, or at other regular intervals. During these breaks, the newspaper columnist is continually gathering information and forming opinions on the topic of the next column. The same rules and ethics that apply to any journalist, such as laws against defamation and plagiarism, also apply to a newspaper columnist. He should research the facts presented in the column to the same degree of detail that a reporter or editor would use. While many newspapers employ photographers and illustrators, some columnists sometimes choose to provide their own photographs or artwork to illustrate their column.
Some newspaper columns are more interactive than others, depending on the topic. Advice columns, for example, solicit letters from the public with etiquette or relationship questions, which are published along with the columnist’s thoughts and suggestions. Astrology columns and DIY home renovation columns also frequently solicit letters from the public. The more popular or iconic a newspaper columnist becomes, the more opportunities he has to branch out into other forms of media such as radio, TV, film and the web.
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