Columnist

A columnist is a type of journalist who expresses an opinion on the news, life, politics or religious and ethical issues, rather than merely reporting the facts. The term derives from the column of written text in a newspaper or journal but has been extended to cover the internet and the broadcast media. Columnists tend to become known for a particular viewpoint and may become media celebrities in their own right. However, the views of a columnist may not be representative of the newspaper or journal in which their column is printed.