COLUMN WRITING:Definition, Various definitions, Why most powerful?

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Feature and Column Writing MCM 514

LESSON 19

COLUMN WRITING

Definition

Column has been described as an editorial with a by-line by the journalists. There are many phases of

similarities between a column in an editorial, which makes their distinction and difference, really matter

for experts' opinions. They bear close similarities as far as their form, style and material are concerned.

However all the columns cannot be said to have close similarities with an editorial. It has been rightly

said that column-writing is one -of the most satisfying and rewarding journalistic exercise or assignment

which is equal to personalised journalism. It is the field where a column writer is invested with ample

independence and liberty to write on any topic or subject, with a clear flair of creative approach.

Various definitions

· "All those writings are columns published on regular basis under a permanent caption in the

periodicals and the periodicals."

 Prof Shafique Jhallandhari

· "A certain type of writing under a permanent caption"

Prof Maskeen Ali Hijazi

"There are certain permanent topics in every newspaper. Under some presented news announcements

or information. Under some are given humorous, medical or scientific writings. These permanent

topics and their matter are given name of columns. And the writer is called columnists."

 Dr Abdus Salam Khurshid

From the above definitions, we can naturally gauge the nature of the column writings, on a wider canvas

and scale. Actually columns serve the purpose of dividing the page vertically or reducing its length of

lines in the newspapers, which makes the reading of the newspapers easy and enjoyable and especially to

make correct connection between the different lines of the newspapers.

Apparently, the columns go to a long way in making the pages of the newspapers a beautifying

proportions and symmetrical division of the newspapers and the periodicals. Column also implies more in

length than in width, also utilised for the purpose of headlines, for example single column headline,

double column headline etc.

Scope and Importance for a newspaper

Analysis from the foregoing study and examination of the nature and definition of the column-writing, we

can analyse the following essentials and basic points which go into the forming of a column.

The column-writing can cater to the needs of the newspapers, periodicals with equal significance.

Column-writing can be equated with the concept and practice of personal journalism of the past.

Columns are written on a multitude of subjects, with a natural flair of conversation and a direct address to

the readers without any intermediary. There are syndicated and non-syndicated columns on diverse topics.

It can be said that any subject is an apt subject for the columnist.

Under a column, different news, announcements, and information can be gathered. Columns are really the

concise and precise rather pointed comments on the news of the day. Column may include in its range the

humour, criticism, wisecracks, judgements, observations, philosophies, apologies etc.

Columns are the unique devices of direct contact and address with the general masses, as being the most

modern and sophisticated form of personal journalism of the past. These are the decorating pieces of the

newspapers and hold the position of permanent topics and subjects.

Column-writing is a unique form of lively journalism, and is easily attuned to the information, instruction,

address, entertainment and amusement, guidance, enlightenment of the readers.

Columns are of multi-purpose nature and can include diverse writings on national and international topics

and subjects, social and cultural issues, literacy and light subjects, economic and political subjects besides

humorous writings, and sarcastic writings, which were replaced, by the serious subjects. Both are equally

Feature and Column Writing MCM 514

popular and important. Today column-writing includes anecdotes, short essays, reviews, and editorials,

comments, on news, announcements, and readers' contributions.

A column is both a general and a specialised writing, which may entail the elucidation or expression of

the policy of the newspapers, or it may be based on the independent thinking of an individual.

It is asserted that the style and approach in writing a column is usually determined by the local conditions

and the predilections of the concerned writers. However the sole criteria for gauging the success of a

columnist lie in his efficiency and proficiency to attract and hold the readers. A successful columnist must

possess some cardinal points to impel the readers to continue the perusals of the column carefully and

with deep and keen interest. However it is estimated that only from ten to fifteen percent - people who

read the editorials from beginning to the end. However the columns are most sought after and consulted

frequently.

Columns are published with the real name of the writer or under a pseudonym. However, most of the

writers are writing with real names.

Columns are considered to be the most powerful medium of any newspaper, next to news. However, the

importance of the features and articles is never undermined.

Moreover, a column has the longest life of all newspaper items, as people like to keep track of the writers'

thinking. This also adds to the fact that the columnists are the most criticised of all as well.

One of the important reasons behind the popularity of the columns is that these can be written on any

subject as well. From personal experiences to any research done in any part of the world, is a subject for a

columnist.

Why most powerful?

Columns' message is always very strong, both for the readers and people who are connected to the

writing in any way. Hence people prefer to analyse and react.

Secondly, columns are read by those who are either the decision-makers or their critics; hence it adds to

the fact that the columns are most powerful part of any newspaper.

Present-day

columns are mostly political, which is due to the political situation of the country.

Nevertheless people are writing on other subjects, which are of common interest.

Columnists become known over a short period of time depending upon the subject choice, language,

ideas and their wisdom beside other attributes.

While writing a column over a period of time, the best of the writers comes out in the columns, which is

another reason for the popularity of the columns and columnists.

News can be one-sided version at time, but analysis, criticism, and solution given in the columns are

definitely presenting a well-rounded picture. Due to this reason, columns are considered to be the highly

opinionated write-ups. However, balancing factors are always there to have better write-ups.

Scope

Column writing is the hardest type of writing of all because it requires good thinking.

To write a good column requires more than just the ability to articulate an opinion. Your opinions must

make sense, provide insight and be convincing. And you must do all this in an entertaining way.

Anybody can be trained to write straight news because it's very mechanical. Feature articles, though also

somewhat formulaic, are harder because they require good writing.

But column writing is the hardest type of writing of all because it requires good thinking.

To write a good column requires more than just the ability to articulate an opinion. Your opinions must

make sense, provide insight and be convincing. And you must do all this in an entertaining way.

It requires you to be almost like a lawyer. Through your arguments, you will need to convince the jury

(your readers) that your client (your viewpoint) is right. Shaping a powerful argument takes practice and

requires both breadth and depth of knowledge as well as the ability to critically analyse a particular issue.

Column writing is different from other forms of writing because unlike straight news and feature writing,

as columns have dedicated readerships.

A columnist develops a following because his readers feel they can gain knowledge, insight and

entertainment from reading his writings.

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