What is column?

1. Journalistic output that shows the writers opinion on the chosen topic/s. language in a column does not have to
be as formal. While maintaining good grammar, keep your tone casual and personal.
2. The column normally has the following elements; column title, article title, by-line, columnist photo.

What is column writing?

1. In journalism, column writing can be focused in any topics from politics, sports, religion, gardening, etc. Columnists
write for newspapers, magazines, the internet, and broadcast media.
2. It is a news but not a news article. In writing style too, there is much difference. An article starts with an intro, then
arguments and then the conclusion or the writer’s opinion. News starts with the most important element of the event
(In accident-How many died/ were injured? In fraud- Who were involved and who were cheated? In sports- Who won/
lost and what was the flashpoint?) and then narrates other details.
3. It generally answers why and how.
4. It is often personal, using the first and second person (I and You.)
5. Often states an opinion.
6. It has a standard head, called a title, and a by-line (name) at the top.

COLUMN FORMAT
1. Lead – Provide background
2. Nut – State opinion
3. Body – Provide arguments and evidences
4. End – Re-state opinion

Sources
Current news • Observations • Interviews • Commendable projects • People researches • Investigations

TYPES OF COLUMNS
1. Reporting-in-Depth Columns – Background, perspective, and interpretation are given to various happenings,
usually already presented in hard news.
2. Opinionated Columns - They try to compensate in heat for what they cannot provide in light.
3. Essay Columns – These requires perceptiveness or possibly just and overpowering interest in people.
4. Personality Diary Columns – It comes from public figures, who are talking about their interesting incidents with
others.
5. Gossip Columns - Contains little except its unquestionably titillating value; this needs not be the writer's exclusive
domain.
6. Humorous Columns - It contains some satirical comments.
7. How- to-do or Advice Columns - These educate the readers, as there is
a gentle instruction written in such a way as not to appear to be a
lesson. These columns usually appear on magazine and daily pages.
8. Sports Column -
There was a time when some leading newspapers had their daily sports columns, but this is getting to be
rarer these days. However, event-based article-cum-columns are there. Some newspapers try to make-up for the
dearth this way. Perhaps it is still a field less trodden.
9. Question and Answer Column - This column comes in various colours. It could be
a medical column in which a qualified doctor answers queries on health. It could be
a sober column in which readers ask questions about their personal problems and
get appropriate answers depending on whether the questions are plain, plain silly or serious. Under this style of column-
writing, a columnist gives a question and then answers it. By this style, a columnist makes the columns easy to
understand and intelligible even to the general readers. This style of writing a column gives ample opportunities to
the columnist to raise questions of national and paramount importance and then answers them in easy and
understandable style and language. In this way, a good
columnist paves the way for instruction, teaching and improving educational values and standard of the
general masses in an effective way.

11. Standard Column

This type of column handles editorial subjects of lesser importance and deals with each in a paragraph or
two. They are unsigned and are frequently the work of two or more members of the editorial staff.
Outstanding columns in this category are `Topics of the Times" in the New York Times.
12. Political columns
These are an extension of the Standard Column, but it is considered of very serious nature. This is
especially done in pursuance of the Editorial policy of the newspaper, and these are considered to be one
of the most-read columns.
13. The Middle Column
The `middle' is so-called because it occupies a position on the editorial page between the main article and
the standard column. Its sole purpose is to lighten what could otherwise be serious reading, which an
editorial page normally is and is expected to be. It is generally humorous and in any event it should be
entertaining and is usually written in a lighter vein. In length it is about 500 words and the more off- beat
it is the better.
14. The Hodge-Podge Column
Here the columnist presents to his reader a Hodge Podge of stuff a little or no consequence on the
principle that variety is not only the spice of life but a sure formula to catch reader's interes
5. Editorial Column
It is properly called the signed editorial column. In it we find what resembles an editorial in form, but an
editorial so palpably personal that it is a cross between an editorial and a column. When an editor writes a
piece under his own name he is trying to lay his prestige on the line.
These do not necessarily depend on humorous elements only. They are and can be handled efficiently by
the experienced and stylish writer of columns. Its demands are different than the other forms of columns.
In it are included one's personal views and opinions on any subject or topic in the world like an editorial
in any style.
16. Specialized Columns
These types of columns are generally limited and confined to a single subject or topic, with the underlying
purpose to render better and detailed service to the subject or topic under study and examination. It may
be confined to a single department of life or learning. Specialized Columns are arranged in accordance
with the circumstances. Under specialized columns are included the columns like, "Legal Column".
"Religious or Deeni Column", `Astrology' or Palmistry Column", `Sports Columns", "Fashion Column",
Medical Column", "Women's Column", `Students, Laborers" or Children Column". In the specialized
Columns, there is simplicity of language and style and no literary tastes are added unnecessarily, nor do
they reflect any personal or individual trends. Specialized Columns can be called "Professional
Columns".
17. Miscellaneous Columns
These mainly comprise of commentary and criticism on books, Criticism columns on films and theatre,
columns on performance in sports, columns on the study of the impending and actual changes in the
different walks of life etc.
8. Literary Columns
Today, we notice a good number of columns on the national and foreign literature and literary trends,
literary and educational problems, columns on literary congresses held in and outside the country. These
usually serve to convey a detailed report and the activities taking place on the national as well as the
international arena. They also serve the purpose of explanation and explication and thus manage to enrich
and enlighten the reader about the coming changes in literary tastes and upsurge of certain literary
movements in the world.

Before writing a column, think about and decide on

1. Purpose
- Why are you writing? Is it to inform the community about an event? Does the paper's editor, the community or co-
workers want it? Are you entertaining, informing or educating? Do you seek an identity or exposure?
2. Audience
- Whom are you trying to reach? Who are you reaching? Decide on your audience. Write in their language, at their
level, about things the audience needs to know or wants to know.
3. Content
- What will your column discuss? How will you discuss it? Answering why and how will help determine what.
Remember, columns should be based on facts and should be accurate. Personal columns should have many local names.
They also use words like: "I," "we" or "you." However, names are crucial in a personal column. Though it is may be
informal; yet accuracy and sourcing materials counts.
4. Structure.
- How will your message get to your audience? There are other types of columns besides the personal column, too.
Some of these cover specific topics or types of information. They can be "question and
answer," "new ideas," "how-to-do-it" pieces or "calendars" and "coming events."

When writing a column, do

 Give the reader timely, helpful information.

 Develop a structure and keep it. Write on a regular schedule.
 Write simple and short sentences and paragraphs.
 In personal columns, use local names and places.
  Let others speak for you by use of quotes and references.
 Learn the difference between a column and a news story.

When writing a column, don't

 Use technical or complex words, unless required; then explain simply.

 Talk in jargon or unfamiliar terms.
 Talk about one topic constantly.
 Include too much detail or material. You should be stimulating interest, not exhausting a subject.
 Refer to yourself as a third person (this author, your reporter) or quote yourself (Jimmy Jones said). Instead
use mine.

Sources
Current news • Observations • Interviews • Commendable projects • People researches • Investigations
Forms of writing the ccolumn

The columnist is free to use any form of writing. He may use the essay or the story form; on certain occasions, he may
even use verse.

TIPS • Don’t be imitative of the style and techniques of known columnists. Try your own methods. • Go everywhere for
facts and materials. • Study and interpret rather than moralize. • Apply all the principles of good writing. • Have
intriguing titles for your columns

Qualifications of a good columnist

1. Ability to write good English or Filipino, whichever is his medium. 2. Originality, creative ability, and imagination. 3.
Writing skill, a forceful, flexible style. 4. Ability to observe keenly. 5. Clear, logical thinking. 6. Wide background. 7.
Resourcefulness. 8. Have a sense of fairness. 9. Sense of humor.