Welcome! Whether you write for newspapers, magazines, newsletters, trade journals or you create a podcast or write digital content, or you manage your own blog … whether you’re on staff, a freelancer, syndicated, self-syndicated or independent, if you write opinion or provide commentary, we invite you to join the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. Join us at https://www.columnists.com/join-or-renew-membership/.
The National Society of Newspaper Columnists Education Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization [501(c)3] devoted to the education and training of new and experienced columnists everywhere. Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/NSNCEdFnd
Joel Schwartzberg, second place winner in the Online Category of the 2009 writing contest, has a new book which was just released, “The 40-Year-Old Version: Humoirs of a Divorced Dad”. You can find more information at: http://www.divorceddadbook.com/. *NOTE: When you click on the Amazon link from our website and buy a book at Amazon, a percentage of…
The Black Cow, a student newspaper with Fort Worth Star-Telegram columnist Dave Lieber as its adviser, swept the Texas state scholastic competition by winning 55 awards. The paper eclipsed its own record from last year and is credited with “vaulting Westlake Academy to journalistic prominence.” (Read the full story from Alliance Regional Newspapers at http://bit.ly/z14cF…
Dorothy Brush, an octogenarian from Tennessee, was not up to traveling to California for last year’s conference. But she reports that “my brain is still working well and I continue doing two columns each week, plus a few features, too.” NSNC named her Columnist of the Year in 2004 for her courageous battle against cancer,…
Mental Health America presented a special award, The Bell Award for Significant Contributions to Mental Health Journalism, to Steve Lopez of the Los Angeles Times at a media awards luncheon in Washington, D.C. Lopez, the 2009 conference keynote speaker, is the author of “The Soloist,” which inspired the film of the same name. He won…
What is the story behind National Columnists Day? By Dave Lieber Secretary, NSNC Education Foundation Columnist, Fort Worth Star-Telegram Website: Yankee Cowboy The office memo changed the course of my writing life. Back in the 1980s, I was a staff writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Gene Roberts, the great editor, sent us a note…
By Samantha Bennett NSNC President Hope you’re all getting registered and making your hotel and travel arrangements for the conference in Ventura! Now more than ever, we need our network and the professional advice that our speakers and panelists will provide. I joined representatives of other groups at the Council of National Journalism Organizations’…
Save the Date NSNC 2026 Columnist Contest Virtual Awards Ceremony – July 23, 2026 at 7 p.m. EST Mark your calendar for the 2026 NSNC Virtual Awards Ceremony, which will be held on Thursday, July 23 at 7 p.m. EST. Winners will be announced at an online celebration on July 23 at 7 p.m. EST.…
NSNC 2026 Columnist Contest Deadline Extended – Enter by May 1 National Society of Newspaper Columnists Annual Column Contest Deadline Extended – Contest Closes: May 1, 2026 11:59 p.m. (EST) For Registration & General Guidelines visit: nsnc.submittable.com/submit Email Joanne Browkaw, contest chair, with any questions at joannebrokaw@gmail.com. “The NSNC Annual Columnist Contest gives columnists a chance to…
National Society of Newspaper Columnists Annual Column Contest Last Call to Enter! Closes: April 17, 2026 11:59 p.m. (EST) For Registration & General Guidelines visit: nsnc.submittable.com/submit Email Joanne Browkaw, contest chair, with any questions at joannebrokaw@gmail.com. “The NSNC Annual Columnist Contest gives columnists a chance to win awards for their submissions and be acknowledged by their peers.”…
Christine Heinrichs recently published a significant story that is raising awareness of elephant seals. Here is a link to the story: https://news.mongabay.com/2026/02/avian-flu-strikes-californias-northern-elephant-seals-area-quarantined/ Heinrichs has published other important works about elephant seals. Her articles and books are featured at www.christineheinrichs.com.
