We are talking about newspaper reporters right? Is a newspaper reporter and a columnist the same? Both may be covered by the term journalist but they are distinct.  Do columnists wear the reporter's badge? It's arguably a less strenuous form of journalism, writing regular essays on topics of interest (little likelihood of body slamming there). Some columnists may have been reporters at one time subject to the rough and tumble that goes with the job.  But unless they are still out there on a regular basis with a microphone, laptop watching the clock submitting news items to an editor, can they take the reporter's bow?