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Get ready to celebrate the talented writers who bring us insightful and entertaining columns every day on National Newspaper Columnists Day on April 18! This day is dedicated to honoring the hardworking individuals who use their words to inform, inspire, and entertain readers all over the world. Did you know that newspaper columns have been around since the 1700s? They provide a unique platform for writers to share their opinions and perspectives on various topics. So, let's take a moment to appreciate these skilled individuals and their contributions to journalism and storytelling. Happy National Newspaper Columnists Day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1704</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Newspaper Column</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first newspaper column appears in 'The Boston News-Letter,' the first regularly published newspaper in America.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1881</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of Modern Op-Ed</div><div class='timeline-text'>The New York Evening Post is credited with pioneering the modern op-ed page, marking a milestone for newspaper columnists.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1935</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Eleanor Roosevelt's Column</div><div class='timeline-text'>First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt starts writing her own syndicated newspaper column "My Day," bringing a new perspective to the newspaper industry.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1963</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pulitzer Prize Categories Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>Pulitzer Prize expands its categories to include commentary and criticism, acknowledging the work of opinion-based columnists.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1969</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rise of the Female Columnist</div><div class='timeline-text'>Trailblazing columnist, Erma Bombeck’s "At Wit's End" becomes nationally syndicated, showcasing a humorous and realistic perspective on suburban home life.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Digital News Era</div><div class='timeline-text'>Columnists adapt to the digital era; online platforms surge as a space for columnists’ insightful and thought-provoking discussions.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a panel discussion with newspaper columnists</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find out if any local newspapers or organizations are hosting a panel discussion with newspaper columnists. This is a great opportunity to hear from experienced writers and ask them questions about their craft.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write a letter to your favorite columnist</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to write a letter or email to your favorite newspaper columnist, thanking them for their work and sharing how their writing has impacted you. This will surely make their day and show your appreciation for their contributions to the industry.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a newspaper-themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends and family for a newspaper-themed party! Serve snacks and drinks inspired by newspaper articles, have guests dress up as their favorite columnists, and play games related to journalism. This is a fun way to celebrate the day and honor the hard work of newspaper columnists.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a social media campaign to promote your favorite columnists</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use the power of social media to show your support for newspaper columnists. Create a hashtag and share posts highlighting your favorite columnists and their work. This will help bring attention to their writing and show your appreciation for their contributions to journalism.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read and share articles from new and diverse columnists</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to seek out and read articles written by new and diverse newspaper columnists. Share them on social media and support their work, helping to promote diversity in the industry. This is a great way to celebrate National Newspaper Columnists Day while also supporting important voices in journalism.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>They keep us informed</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Newspaper columnists provide valuable information and perspectives on important current events. Their columns often serve as a voice for the community and help us understand complex issues in a more approachable way.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>They spark conversation and debate</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Newspaper columnists share their opinions and thoughts on various topics, sparking discussion and debate among readers. This not only keeps us informed, but also encourages critical thinking and a deeper understanding of different perspectives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>They entertain us</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Many newspaper columnists have a unique voice and writing style that can be both informative and entertaining to read. They often inject humor and personal anecdotes into their pieces, making them enjoyable to read even when discussing serious topics.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The First Newspaper Columnist was Anonymous</h3><p class='facts-content'>The pioneer of newspaper columns in the 1700s was a woman known as Mrs. Silence Dogood whose real identity was Benjamin Franklin. He used a pseudonym to conceal the fact that he was a teenager when he started writing commentary pieces for the New England Courant.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Newspaper Columnists Play a Role in Social Change</h3><p class='facts-content'>Columnists like Ida B. Wells and Nellie Bly, use their pen to advocate for societal change. Wells focused on the atrocities of lynching while Bly reported on the poor conditions in a mental asylum, leading to reforms.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Columnist Erma Bombeck's Book made it to Space</h3><p class='facts-content'>"If Life is a Bowl of Cherries, What am I Doing in the Pits?" by Erma Bombeck, renowned columnist, accompanied astronaut Robert Thagard during his mission on MIR Space Station, making it the first humor book in space.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Newspaper Columnist Lewis Grizzard was Honored by a Highway</h3><p class='facts-content'>In honor of his contributions as a notable syndicated columnist, a section of Georgia State Route 11 is named "Lewis Grizzard Memorial Highway" after Lewis Grizzard.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Mike Royko has an Asteroid Named after Him</h3><p class='facts-content'>In recognition of his significant contributions as a newspaper columnist, a 5-kilometer wide asteroid discovered in 1984 was named 4859 Royko after Mike Royko, a well-known Chicago columnist.</p></div></div>
National Newspaper Columnists Day is celebrated on April 18th every year. In 2024 National Newspaper Columnists Day will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Apr 18
Tuesday
2024
Apr 18
Thursday
2025
Apr 18
Friday
2026
Apr 18
Saturday
2027
Apr 18
Sunday
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