1. Columns Digital Journalism DASA

2. Columns  In a news story, the reporter is simply a provider of facts and quotes from news sources. In a column, the writer’s opinion, along with supportive facts, forms the story.  Some examples of column topics are: news school policies, things that need improvement and daily life in the school.

3. Types of Columns  Personal or Interpretive Columns. The personal or interpretive column in high school papers observes and interprets life at school from the prospective of an insightful writer.  Humorous columns. Sometimes you can raise awareness through the use of humor.  Personal or Interpretive Columns. Personal experiences and their interpretations.  Lifestyle Columns. Topics range from music to fashion, fads to television programs.

4. What makes a column interesting? A column should be written to attract a broad cross-section of readers. A column should be written to attract a broad cross-section of readers. It must have unique ideas that are appealing, entertaining, and insightful. It must have unique ideas that are appealing, entertaining, and insightful. A good column “speaks” to readers. A good column “speaks” to readers. Do not use big words and long sentences. Do not use big words and long sentences.

5. How to write a column Have a strong lead to grab the reader’s attention. Have a strong lead to grab the reader’s attention. The middle or heart of the column contains all the supporting material for the point you are making. This information can include statistics, quotes from news sources, or simply well-reasoned arguments. You need a feel for all sides of an issue, then you know what points to argue against. The middle or heart of the column contains all the supporting material for the point you are making. This information can include statistics, quotes from news sources, or simply well-reasoned arguments. You need a feel for all sides of an issue, then you know what points to argue against. End. It should leave the reader thinking about the topic. End. It should leave the reader thinking about the topic.

6. Class Work Using your textbooks read and summarize the different types of columns. Pages 213-218.