I am disappointed with the deteriorating quality of columns in local newspapers.

I am a regular reader of two prestigious newspapers. Since they are targeting middle or upper classes, I expect better quality in news reports and columns than in other newspapers.

However, their performance has been dropping, especially in the column sections.

Some columnists write about a product or a service almost every day. Although the articles have been criticised for their similarity to press releases, the situation still has not improved.

There are some columnists who tend to dramatise love relationships. The content usually tends to be purely sensational but insubstantial. They sometimes concern drivel that any layabout could not care less about. The columns also give me a feeling that the columnists sigh and groan about their love affairs every day.

There are also some columnists who simply quote what others say, or merely write about historical facts. Few personal comments are included.

I agree that a variety of content should be attained in the column section. However, a column is a column. It should not be an advertisement or a summary of facts. Editors should watch out when the quality is unacceptable. Please bear in mind that not everybody can be a columnist.

It’s truly a pity that one of the best columnists, Mr. Wong Man Fong, has passed away.

Name withheld by request
CUHK