Political Columnists and Writers

Employers

Newspapers of all kinds run political columns and articles, as do certain magazines and even public radio stations, where a recording is played over the airways of the author reading the column or article. Newswriters are employed by radio and television stations throughout the country, although more opportunities are available in larger media markets. Many also write for online publications and also feature blogs on their own Web sites. Some political columnists and writers are self-employed, preferring to market their work to syndicates instead of working for a single newspaper or magazine.

Starting Out

Political columnists and writers break into the field by working in entry-level journalism jobs such as fact checker, research assistant, or editorial assistant. With experience, they can eventually find positions as political writers or reporters. Political writers and reporters who demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of politics and government, and who demonstrate a knack for lively, opinionated writing, may be offered the position of political columnist.

Another way to become a political columnist or writer is to start out by freelancing, sending columns or articles out to a multitude of newspapers and magazines in the hopes that someone will pick them up. Also, columnists and writers can market their work to syndicates. A list of these, and magazines that may also be interested in political writing, is provided in the Writer's Market.