NSNC 2026 Columnist Contest - Now Open

Sunshine Week March 15-21, 2026

Consider a Gift to the NSNC Education Foundation

Join NSNC and Reap the Benefits!

NSNC 2026 Columnist Contest - Now Open

Contest submissions now open! We are accepting entries from columnists, bloggers, and serial essayists  for our 2026 Annual Columnist Contest (for work published in 2025). We will accept entries from columnists, bloggers, and serial essayists published in 2025.  Everyone is welcome to submit. You don’t have to be an NSNC member.

Sunshine Week March 15-21, 2026

We’re counting down to #SunshineWeek 2026, March 15-21. Together, we champion #OpenRecords and #OpenGovernment nationwide March 15-21. #FOIA #transparency. Free resources: sunshineweek.org

Consider a Gift to the NSNC Education Foundation

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

Join NSNC and Reap the Benefits!

We are excited for What’s in-store for NSNC members this year. We are gearing up to launch the NSNC Annual Columnist Contest on January 15, so you’ll want to be sure your membership is up-to-date. Also, if you have ideas, suggestions, etc., please share them with our President Meredith Cummings at meredithcummings@gmail.com or Executive Director Ginny McCabe at nsncdirector@gmail.com. Thank you for your support of NSNC!

Go BIG — Be a Chicken

Chicken and Dallas Morning News columnist James Ragland

you, the columnist This column originally was published in the March 2014 edition of The Columnist, the members’ newsletter of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. By Dave Lieber Columnist, The Dallas Morning News I keep tellin’ my columnist friends: YA GOTTA GO BIG! 2014 can’t be the play-it-safe year for you, the columnist. More…

Tips on Contest Entries

Internet cafe, Ukrainian Scout Jamboree 2009

This column originally was published in the March 2014 edition of The Columnist, the members’ newsletter of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. By Bill Ervolino Contest Chair National Society of Newspaper Columnists Contest deadlines are looming — and NSNC’s has been extended to April 1, thank goodness — and I know that, any day now,…

In the March Issue

newspaper

Attention, members of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, have we got a newsletter for you! The February 2014 edition of The Columnist features: “Tips on Contest Entries.” NSNC Contest Chair Bill Ervolino uses his own experience in sharing what he’s learned about choosing which column samples to submit. “Short Takes, a Tall Order.” NSNC…

Column Contest Calling Your Name, or Could Be

"Toast of the Town" columnist Ed Sullivan working on his you-know-what at the Jersey Shore, 1936.

This column originally was published in the February 2014 edition of The Columnist, the members’ newsletter of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. By Bill Ervolino Contest Chair National Society of Newspaper Columnists Alas, it’s too late to enter most of those other competitions. The Grammys and Golden Globes are over and done with, and…

Michael R. Masterson: Investigative Op-Ed and Higher Purpose

Chi Omega Greek Theater, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Art of Column Writing This column originally was published in the February 2014 edition of The Columnist, the members’ newsletter of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. By Suzette Martinez Standring 2004-06 President National Society of Newspaper Columnists With a 40-plus year career Michael Rue Masterson offers daunting advice: Be relentless in telling the truth.…

Washington Conference Registration Open

NSNC 38th annual conference, see tinyurl.com/nsnc14dc

NSNC 38th Annual Conference, June 26-29, 2014, Washington, D.C. Registration is open for the 38th annual conference of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, Thursday night, June 26, through Sunday noon, June 29, 2014.* It will be held at the Washington Plaza Hotel in the District of Columbia. We welcome columnists and bloggers from novices…