NATIONAL DAYWRITING & MEDIA

National Columnists’ Day

National Columnists’ Day is the kind of day that rewards a little intention and a lot of heart.

APR18

Sunday, April 18Every year on April 18

days to go

Roots: Associated with the National Society of Newspaper Columnists; it memorializes war correspondent Ernie Pyle, killed April 18, 1945.
Vibe: A day to reflect on the power of the written word
Also on Apr 18: International Day for Monuments and Sites · International Amateur Radio Day · Animal Crackers Day
Hashtag: #NationalColumnists8217Day

Add to my calendar Send a card Email a friend

Apple or Outlook calendar

Ways to celebrate

Small, doable ways to celebrate National Columnists’ Day.

Do one small thing that makes the day feel marked.
Tell someone what you're celebrating and why.
Share a post, a photo, or a memory connected to it.
Make a tiny tradition — something you could do again next year.
Let it be simple. Not every celebration has to be a production.

Make it your kind of celebration

Family
Do one small thing together that everyone will remember.
Kids
Turn it into a craft, a story, or a snack — meet them where they are.
Couples
Use the day as an excuse for a little intentional time together.
Office
Acknowledge the day in the team chat or at a stand-up. Small, sincere, fast.
School
Anchor a short lesson or activity around the day.
Community
Share, volunteer, or donate to make the day mean something locally.
Just me
Celebrate quietly and completely. One person can still mark a day.

Plan ahead

National Columnists’ Day is observed on April 18 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Sat, Apr 18this year

2027Sun, Apr 18

2028Tue, Apr 18

2029Wed, Apr 18

2030Thu, Apr 18

2031Fri, Apr 18

2032Sun, Apr 18

2033Mon, Apr 18

2034Tue, Apr 18

2035Wed, Apr 18

2036Fri, Apr 18

Add to my calendar (repeats yearly)

Fast facts

Opinion columns remain a staple of American newspapers.

Columnists appear in newspapers across the country.

The story

National Columnists' Day, observed every April 18, originated in 2008 to honor the significant contributions of opinion columnists. These writers engage readers by presenting diverse perspectives on political, social, and cultural issues. Their work not only informs but also stimulates public discourse, making it essential in a democracy.

Read the full story

Columns have a unique way of distilling complex topics into relatable narratives, allowing readers to connect with broader issues on a personal level. Columnists like Maureen Dowd, George Will, and Thomas Friedman have shaped public opinion through their distinctive voices. This day serves to recognize their influence in the media landscape.

On this day, readers are encouraged to reflect on the impact of columns in the digital age, where information is abundant yet discerning voices are crucial. Engaging with these writings can foster critical thinking and inspire action within communities.

Furthermore, National Columnists' Day is a reminder of the importance of supporting local journalism, where many columnists begin their careers. By engaging with these writers, we contribute to a vibrant and informed society, where diverse viewpoints flourish and encourage healthy debate.

Did you know?

The First Column

The first known opinion column appeared in 1704 in the Boston News-Letter, written by a man named Daniel Defoe.

Influence on Elections

Opinion columns have been shown to influence public opinion and voting behavior, especially during election seasons.

Pioneering Columnists

Notable columnists like Walter Lippmann and Drew Pearson paved the way for modern opinion journalism.

Digital Columns

The rise of the internet has transformed column writing, allowing for instant feedback and broader reach.

Women in Column Writing

Women columnists have played significant roles in journalism, with figures like Helen Thomas and Anna Quindlen making lasting impacts.

Cultural Commentary

Many columnists focus on cultural topics, bridging the gap between politics and everyday life.

The Columnist's Challenge

Columnists often face the challenge of balancing personal opinions with journalistic integrity.

Around the world

Every culture celebrates a little differently.

USUnited StatesNational Columnists' Day is especially celebrated across the U.S. where columnists play a crucial role in shaping public opinion.
GBUnited KingdomIn the U.K., columnists like Caitlin Moran and Simon Jenkins influence public debate similarly to their American counterparts.
CACanadaCanadian columnists such as Heather Mallick and Andrew Coyne contribute to national conversations, reflecting on both local and global issues.
AUAustraliaAustralian columnists like Miranda Devine and Peter FitzSimons engage audiences with insightful commentary on national matters.
INIndiaIn India, columnists like Barkha Dutt and Swaminathan S. Anklesaria Aiyar play vital roles in public discourse, addressing pressing issues.
DEGermanyGerman columnists such as Richard David Precht and Alice Schwarzer provide critical insights on societal affairs, enriching public debate.