Did you know today is National Columnists’ Day? The National Society of Newspaper Columnists, sponsors and promotes today in support of columnists and journalists around the world, but this year it’s getting overshadowed by the infamous it tax day.
Working in the PR world, we have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for journalists, without them our jobs wouldn’t exist. So what better day then today to say thank you.
April 18th was chosen because it’s the day that famous World War II correspondent and columnist and patron saint of the profession, Ernie Pyle, passed away. Ed Grisamore, journalist for Macon.com, reflected on the day by asking himself “What would Ernie do?” which brings up some very interesting points on how the world of journalism has evolved over the years. Some questions, Grisamore would ask the patron saint of journalism:
- What would Ernie say about laptop computers that make it possible for journalists to file a story, have it automatically checked for spelling and grammar, then travel around the world and back, all before Ernie could have the ribbon on his Corona portable typewriter?
- What about the capability to take photographs with a cell phone and then send them instantly through the air across the globe?
- Would Ernie still use a No.2 pencil or would he choose a roller ball, gell or retractable ballpoints?
- Would Ernie use social media? Would he tweet?
Read Grisamore’s entire article here.
How are you going to celebrate National Columnists’ Day?