NSNC to Recognize 2026 Annual Columnist Contest Winners

Join or Renew Your NSNC Membership

Consider a Gift to the NSNC Education Foundation

NSNC to Recognize 2026 Annual Columnist Contest Winners

The National Society of Newspaper Columnists (NSNC) President and Board of Directors are pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Annual Columnist Contest at an online awards celebration on Thursday, July 23 at 7 p.m. EST. If you would like to join us for the awards ceremony, email nsncdirector@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

Join or Renew Your NSNC Membership

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/.

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

Short Takes, A Tall Order

IBM Selectric II typewriter

President’s Message This column originally was published in the March 2014 edition of The Columnist, the members’ newsletter of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. By Eric Heyl President National Society of Newspaper Columnists ITEM! When facing a tight deadline or lacking a topic of particular gravitas, some columnists occasionally resort to a “notes” column,…

Joel Brinkley, 1952-2014

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Joel Brinkley — a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and serving on its board as scholarship chair — died Tuesday, March 11, 2014, at a Washington hospital. He was suffering from previously undiagnosed leukemia. His death was announced today, Thursday. One report of his passing is from the Courier-Journal…

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…