National Columnists’ Day
Peruse your paper for the often entertaining, often sage advice of a columnist like Dear Abby, or write in to see if they have some insight into your own problems.
We owe much to the columnist, though we often do not think of them, Columnists day is dedicated to these wonderful individuals and what they bring to our lives.
A columnist is an individual who produces written works that will be published in a series, generally offering commentary and opinions on current events or topics such as love, relationships, and careers.
Columnists tend to have a following of people who actively look forward to reading their piece every day, and one of the most famous columnists ever is “Dear Abby”, though there’s a secret to be revealed about that one before this piece is over.
How to Celebrate National Newspaper Columnists Day
Read a Column
Dive into a newspaper column! Pick up your favorite newspaper or scroll through an online publication. Columnists have unique voices and perspectives that can make you think, laugh, or even shed a tear.
Share the Love
Write a thank-you note to your favorite columnist. Expressing appreciation for their work can make their day. Spread the love on social media, too. Use hashtags to join the larger conversation and highlight the columnist’s impact on your life.
Host a Columnist Party
Gather friends for a columnist-themed party. Everyone can bring a column to share, discuss, and debate. Make it fun with snacks and drinks inspired by famous columnists’ favorite treats.
Start a Blog
Feeling inspired? Start your blog! Share your thoughts on current events, personal stories, or quirky observations. Becoming a columnist for the day can be a thrilling experience.
Engage in a Writing Challenge
Challenge yourself and your friends to write a mini-column. Pick a topic, set a word limit, and see who can craft the most compelling piece. It’s a fun way to appreciate the skill and effort that goes into writing a column.
Why Celebrate National Newspaper Columnists Day?
Celebrating National Newspaper Columnists Day highlights several key reasons. First, it acknowledges the hard work and dedication of columnists, who often work in challenging conditions to uncover the truth and share important stories.
This day also serves to remember figures like Ernie Pyle, whose work exemplified courage and integrity in journalism.
Furthermore, it encourages the public to appreciate the vital role that columnists play in shaping public opinion and holding those in power accountable.
By celebrating this day, we honor the voices that enrich our understanding of the world and stimulate meaningful conversations within our communities.
History of National Newspaper Columnists Day
National Newspaper Columnists Day began in 1995 and was initiated by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists (NSNC) to honor the work and dedication of columnists.
The NSNC chose the day for this annual celebration, aligning it with the anniversary of Ernie Pyle’s death in 1945. Pyle, a Pulitzer Prize-winning war correspondent, was renowned for his vivid and heartfelt stories about American soldiers during World War II.
Bill Tammeus, then-president of the NSNC, and columnist Dave Lieber proposed the idea for National Newspaper Columnists Day.Their goal was to create a day that highlights the significant role columnists play in shaping public opinion, entertaining readers, and providing unique perspectives on current events.
This day not only honors the memory of Ernie Pyle but also underscores the vital contributions of columnists in journalism. Columnists often tackle diverse topics, from politics to human interest stories, offering insights that enrich public discourse.
National Newspaper Columnists Day serves as a reminder of the importance of free expression and the dedicated individuals who strive to keep the public informed and engaged.
Learn More About Columnists
While traditionally columnists were writers and their works were delivered through a written medium, with the popularity of radio and television in the 30’s and 40’s, some of them took their written columns on the air.
They would respond to everything from housekeeping advice to the best places to go fishing, or just how to handle difficult children. It was a growing field and all sorts of new things were being tried, with Hollywood Gossip being one of the most popular bits of content by far. In some ways not a lot has changed.
Gossip columnists have been around as long as there have been people to talk about, and a place to write it down.
In the 30’s and 40’s there was no greater feared journalist than Walter Winchell. He was an expert at leveraging his political and social connections, as well as those in the entertainment industries, to collect information on people of interest to the general public.
The techniques used back then are still in effect today, and if you watch the big blockbusters that are coming into theaters, and cross-check the gossip coming out with the stars in those films, you’ll often notice they coincide.
It has often been said that there’s no such thing as bad publicity, and the romantic scandals reported on by Hollywood Gossip Columnists prove it in the box office numbers.
Earlier we discussed advice columnists, and no matter where you are in the world one of the first to come to mind is Dear Abby. Referenced in movies, magazines, even music, Dear Abby was and remains an incredibly influential and recognizable name among advice columnists.
In Britain advice columnists are commonly called Agony Aunts (Or Uncles), calling for the idea of an older woman who has a lifetime of advice to draw on to give comfort, and a maternal wisdom she can share.
See what else is happening…
There’s always more going on every month at Days Of The Year. Here are our favorites this month!
Also on ...
View all holidays
National Animal Crackers Day
A classic favorite snack for children of generations, simply take some time to enjoy some sweet, fun animal crackers on National Animal Crackers Day.
International Amateur Radio Day
The “International” in “International Amateur Radio Day” honors how amateur radio-ers pioneered fast, immediate global connection in the 20th century.
National Exercise Day
Engaging in physical activity invigorates the body, fostering vitality and well-being with each rhythmic movement and breath.
