1. Definition
A column is a regularly appearing article in a newspaper, magazine, or online publication, usually written by the same author (called a columnist).
Unlike straight news reporting, columns reflect the writer’s opinions, analysis, or personal perspective on current events, social issues, or cultural topics.
2. Purpose
To provide interpretation and commentary beyond factual reporting.
To establish a distinct voice or personality within the publication.
To engage readers with opinions, insights, and arguments.
To stimulate public debate and discussion.
3. Characteristics
Regularity: Appears on a fixed schedule (daily, weekly, monthly).
Authorship: Written by a named columnist, often with a recognizable style.
Subjectivity: Expresses opinions, unlike news reports which are objective.
Topicality: Focuses on current issues, trends, or events.
Personal voice: Conversational, persuasive, or reflective tone.
4. Types of Columns
Type
Focus
Opinion/Editorial Columns
Commentary on politics, society, or public affairs.
Humor Columns
Satirical or light-hearted takes on events.
Advice Columns
Guidance on personal, social, or professional issues.
Specialized Columns
Cover niche topics like sports, fashion, technology, or health.
Personality Columns
Showcase the columnist’s unique perspective or experiences.
5. Role in Journalism
Adds diversity of voices within a publication.
Provides analysis and interpretation that news stories cannot.
Builds reader loyalty through consistent style and viewpoint.
Influences public opinion and policy debates.
6. Structure of a Column
Headline: Catchy, often witty or provocative.
Lead/Opening: Engages the reader, sets the tone.
Body: Develops argument, analysis, or narrative.
Conclusion: Summarizes or leaves readers with a thought-provoking idea.
7. Example (Hypothetical)
A columnist writing about climate change might:
Begin with a personal anecdote about unusual weather.
Present facts and statistics to support their viewpoint.
Critique government policies.
12 comments:
Columns in a newspaper serve both a structural and a conceptual purpose. While the term "column" refers to the vertical layout of the page, it also defines a specific genre of opinion-based journalism that provides a distinct contrast to objective news reporting.
Beyond layout, a "column" is a recurring piece written by a specific writer, called a columnist.
Unlike standard news reports, which aim for a neutral "voice from nowhere," columns are deeply personal. They allow a newspaper to develop a unique personality and build a loyal relationship between the writer and the reader.
The "Op-Ed" page uses columns to present views that might differ from the newspaper's official stance, cultivating a healthy democratic exchange of ideas.
Chandrani Mondal
Columns feel like a conversation between the writer and the reader rather than just information on a page. They bring a human touch to journalism by expressing opinions, emotions, and personal experiences that readers can relate to. A good column doesn’t just inform—it makes you think, question, and sometimes even change your perspective. In today’s digital world, columns have become more interactive through blogs and social media, allowing readers to respond and engage directly. This connection builds trust and makes journalism more personal, relatable, and meaningful in everyday life.
Dechan Dolkar
Column: More Than Just News:
While standard news reporting focuses on the "who, what, and where," a column thrives in the "why" and "what now." The true value of a columnist lies in their ability to provide a layer of interpretation that raw data simply cannot offer. By maintaining a consistent style and a distinct "voice," a columnist builds a unique sense of loyalty with their audience; readers don't just return for the information, but for the specific perspective they’ve grown to trust.
Why Structure Matters?
The structure of a column is designed to be both persuasive and conversational. It starts with a headline that acts as a hook—witty or provocative enough to stop a doom-scroller in their tracks. The lead then transitions the reader from curiosity to engagement, often using personal anecdotes to make global issues feel local.
Influence and Impact;
Ultimately, a column is a tool for influence. Whether the writer is critiquing government climate policy or reflecting on social trends, they are moving the needle on public opinion. By blending facts with a narrative arc, a columnist turns a dry debate into a compelling story, leaving the reader with a "parting shot" or a thought-provoking conclusion that lingers long after the page is turned.
Column: More Than Just News;
While standard news reporting focuses on the "who, what, and where," a column thrives in the "why" and "what now." The true value of a columnist lies in their ability to provide a layer of interpretation that raw data simply cannot offer. By maintaining a consistent style and a distinct "voice," a columnist builds a unique sense of loyalty with their audience; readers don't just return for the information, but for the specific perspective they’ve grown to trust.
Why Structure Matters?
The structure of a column is designed to be both persuasive and conversational. It starts with a headline that acts as a hook—witty or provocative enough to stop a doom-scroller in their tracks. The lead then transitions the reader from curiosity to engagement, often using personal anecdotes to make global issues feel local.
Influence and Impact;
Ultimately, a column is a tool for influence. Whether the writer is critiquing government climate policy or reflecting on social trends, they are moving the needle on public opinion. By blending facts with a narrative arc, a columnist turns a dry debate into a compelling story, leaving the reader with a "parting shot" or a thought-provoking conclusion that lingers long after the page is turned.
KHUSHI
Dr. Nanda’s notes show us that columns are all about that personal "voice," but I think we also need to look at how columns have become the ultimate bridge in the age of "fake news." For a student today, the real value of a column isn't just having an opinion, but, it’s about credibility.
Since social media is full of random rantsand fake news, a professional column stands out because it combines a unique personality with actual facts. It’s like the difference between a random comment on a post and a well thought-out thread that actually changes someone’s mind. Columns give a face to the news, making heavy topics like politics or climate change feel like a conversation with a smart friend.
Columns in journalism add a unique dimension to news by allowing writers to express opinions, interpretations, and personal perspectives rather than just reporting facts. They help in analysing current issues, encouraging debate, and building a strong connection with readers through a consistent voice and style.
Additionally, columns enhance critical thinking skills for both writers and readers, as they present arguments, viewpoints, and reflections on social, political, and cultural topics. They also play an important role in shaping public opinion and creating awareness, making journalism more engaging, diverse, and thought-provoking beyond traditional reporting.
Columns are not just opinion pieces; they serve as a bridge between journalism and public discourse. Unlike news reports that prioritize objectivity, columns thrive on subjectivity, allowing writers to inject personality, wit, and critical thought into their work. They often become the voice of a public shaping its identity and influencing how readers perceive issues. A well-written column can spark debate, challenge authority, and even shift cultural narratives. Moreover, columns provide continuity; readers return not only for information but for the columnist’s unique perspective, style, and credibility. In the digital age, columns extend beyond print, finding new life in blogs, podcasts, and social media, where they continue to mold public opinion and foster engagement. Thus, columns are both journalistic tools and cultural artifacts, reflecting society’s evolving conversations while guiding them forward.
A column refers to a recurring section in newspaper that focuses on a specific category. It covers a wide variety of topics such as food, sports, lifestyle, art, etc. It is also called as the personality of a newspaper.
The columnist adds their own personal viewpoint, analysis, or commentary in the column. A column captures a distinct point of view and requires a deep understanding of the topic. It also has a regular schedule.
A column builds expertise and an audience.
Columns are writings in newspapers that may be considered the most personal in nature of all journalistic writing. They have a very personal appeal, authoritative influence and have very useful contributions in spreading the understanding of a news and opinions, and creating public discourse. They are written to inform, influence, education or to entertain readers. They are high in reader interest as they stimulate public discussion on the day’s affairs.
The columnist has to explain a news’ consequence and significance by:
a. Giving the background of the event.
b. Determining whether a certain event is an isolated event or part of the pattern.
c. Pooling together and assessing comments of readers from different sections of society.
-Nibedita Manna
A column in journalism is a regular article written by a specific writer or an expert that expresses opinions, analysis and perspectives rather than just facts. Columns can be of different types like opinions, humour or advice depending on the topic. It is more expressive and engaging with audience.Columns play a key role in journalism by adding personality and depth to news making it more interesting and meaningful for readers.
Chunit
A column is a regularly published article in a newspaper, magazine, or online platform, written by a person called a columnist. The columnist can be a journalist, expert, or well-known personality who shares their opinions and ideas on topics like current events, social issues, lifestyle, or trends. Unlike news, a column focuses on personal views and is written in a simple, friendly style so readers can easily understand.
The main purpose of a column is to inform, explain, entertain, and sometimes influence people’s thinking or start discussions. It has features like regular appearance, a personal tone, and focus on current topics. There are different types such as editorial, humor, advice, specialized, and personality columns. A column follows a structure with a catchy headline, engaging introduction, clear body, and a strong conclusion.
Kusum Saraswat
The blog on Column in Newspaper is very well written and provides a clear understanding of how columns differ from regular news reports. It explains that while news focuses on facts and events, columns bring in opinions, analysis, and personal viewpoints that make readers think more deeply. I found the explanation engaging because it shows how columns can influence public opinion and encourage critical thinking. The examples used made the concept easy to grasp and highlighted the importance of reading columns regularly to stay aware of diverse perspectives. This blog motivates students like me to not only read newspapers for information but also to pay attention to columns for insights and reflection. Overall, it is an informative and inspiring piece that adds value to learning and helps readers develop a balanced approach towards media and current issues.
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