GN111: Newspaper of the Year

Judges will consider each of the following criteria: selection of stories; originality; quality of writing and headlines; columns; editorials and letters to the editor; quality and appropriateness of art and graphics; and overall design. An entry consists of three to five consecutive issues published during 2026. Only one entry per publication is permitted. Each entrant must submit a PDF copy for the judges or URL if applicable and a JPG image of one page, cover, or montage for possible use during the Catholic Media Awards celebration.

• GN111a: Newspaper of the Year – Diocesan Weekly
• GN111b: Newspaper of the Year – Diocesan Non-Weekly
• GN111c: Newspaper of the Year – National Newspaper or Wire Service

GM111: Magazine of the Year

Judges will consider each of the following criteria: selection of stories; originality; quality of writing and headlines; columns; editorials and letters to the editor; quality and appropriateness of art and graphics; and overall design. An entry consists of three to five consecutive issues published during 2026. Only one entry per publication is permitted. Each entrant must submit a PDF copy for the judges or URL if applicable and a JPG image of one page, cover, or montage for possible use during the Catholic Media Awards celebration. Please choose the subcategory that most closely fits the magazine.

• GM111a: Magazine of the Year – National General Interest Magazines
• GM111b: Magazine of the Year – Diocesan Magazines
• GM111c: Magazine of the Year – Mission Magazines (Overseas and Home)
• GM111d: Magazine of the Year – Religious Order Magazines and Print Newsletters
• GM111e: Magazine of the Year – Professional and Special-Interest Magazines, including Clergy, Religious, Prayer and Spiritual Magazine

GS111: Spanish Publication of the Year

Judging will consider each of the following criteria: selection of stories, originality, quality of writing and headlines, columns, editorials and letters to the editor, quality and appropriateness of art and graphics, and overall graphic design. An entry consists of uploading one PDF or URL of three to five consecutive issues published during 2026. Only one entry per publication is permitted.

GD111: Digital-only Publication of the Year

Judging will consider each of the following criteria: selection of stories, originality, quality of writing and headlines, columns, editorials and letters to the editor, quality and appropriateness of art and graphics, and overall graphic design. An entry consists of a) the overall URL of the digital-only publication and b) specific links to the top news, features, columns and editorials published in 2026. Only one entry per publication is permitted.

AI111: Advertising Business/Marketing Professional of the Year

Entry should exemplify the high quality, professionalism and consistency of the nominated individual's work during 2026. For example, did they develop tools or strategies to better manage operations, to improve customer service, to build relationships with clients and readers? An entry consists of three to five samples of the individual's efforts during 2026. These samples need not be related to each other. While it is not necessary for the samples to have been printed in a CMA publication, each must have been used by a member organization in some way. A letter may be submitted to explain circumstances that made the individual's success more notable. The letter should be used to describe an entrant's contribution to the samples submitted. Please upload a PDF file or a URL containing three to five samples through the awards website.

AI121: Communications Director of the Year

This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service as the best Communications Director professional representing an organizational communication member. Entry will consist of a nomination letter as well as a PDF or URL of the organization's website that the judges may view. The letter should be used to describe an entrant's contributions, qualities, and professionalism in the ongoing communication efforts.

AI131: Editor of the Year

This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA publication(s) or publisher members during 2026. Entrants must be on the staff of, or a freelance contributor to, a CMA-member publication. To be eligible for this category, samples must have been published by a CMA publication. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness. An entry consists of a letter that describes the entrant's contributions, qualities, and professionalism that made the nominee's success notable. You may submit three to five samples of the individual's efforts during 2026 on a PDF file or URLs if the samples are online. The majority of the editor's work must be done in the language listed in the subcategory or translated by the author without the assistance of AI or other transcription software.

• AI131a: Editor of the Year – English
• AI131b: Editor of the Year – Spanish

AI141: Graphic Artist/Designer of the Year

This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to a CMA Organizational Member during 2026. Entrants must be on the staff of or a freelancer contributor to a CMA Organizational Member. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness and effectiveness. An entry consists of three to five graphics/designs. These samples need not be related to each other. A letter may be submitted to explain circumstances that made the individual's success more notable. The letter should be used to describe an entrant's contribution to the samples submitted. You may also submit a PDF or a URL if the graphics/designs are available online.

AI161: Photographer of the Year

This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA publication(s) or Publisher Members during 2026. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness and effectiveness. An entry consists of eight to 10 photos. These samples need not be related to each other. A letter may be submitted to explain circumstances that made the individual's success more notable. The letter should describe the entrant's contribution to the samples submitted. You may also submit a PDF file or a URL if the photos are available online.

AI171: Social Media Professional of the Year

This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA publication(s) or Publisher Members during 2026. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness. An entry consists of a letter describing the entrant's qualities and contributions to the organization as well as examples of social media campaigns, statistics reflecting growth, engagement or reach, or documentation of other social media-related contributions.

AI175: Writer of the Year

This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA publication(s) or publisher members during 2026. Entrants must be on the staff of, or a freelance contributor to, a CMA-member publication. To be eligible for this category, samples must have been published by a CMA publication. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness. An entry consists of three to five writing samples. These samples need not be related to one another. A letter may be submitted to explain circumstances that made the individual's success more notable. The letter should describe the entrant's contribution to the samples submitted. You may also submit a PDF file or a URL if the samples are available online. Submissions must be written in the language listed in the subcategory or translated by the author without the assistance of AI or other transcription software.

• AI175a: Writer of the Year – English
• AI175b: Writer of the Year – Spanish

AI181: Videographer/Video Producer of the Year

This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA members during 2026. Entrants must be on the staff of, or a freelance contributor to a CMA member organization. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness. Judges will verify that a person works for the organization mentioned in the submission. An entry consists of three to five videos. These samples need not be related to one another. A letter may be submitted to explain circumstances that made the individual's success more notable. The letter should describe the entrant's contribution to the samples submitted. You may also submit a PDF file or a URL of where the content is available.

• AI181a: Videographer/Video Producer of the Year – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AI181b: Videographer/Video Producer of the Year – Radio, Television Station or Film Companies

AI191: Podcaster of the Year

This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA publication(s) or Publisher Members during 2026. Entrants must be on the staff of, or a freelance contributor to, a CMA member publication. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness. An entry consists of three to five podcasts. These samples need not be related to each other. A letter may be submitted to explain circumstances that made the individual's success more notable. The letter should describe the entrant's contribution to the samples submitted. You may also submit a PDF file or a URL if the audios are available online.

AI201: Emerging Journalist of the Year

This category recognizes an individual who has recently begun working in journalism and has produced exemplary work. Eligible candidates must be under the age of 30 by Dec. 31, 2026. To be eligible for this category, samples must have been published by a CMA-member publication. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness and effectiveness. An entry consists of three to five examples of the entrant's work. Eligible work may include features, opinion pieces, essays, news, photojournalism or multimedia reporting. You may submit a PDF file or a URL if the samples are available online. Please note: Previous Best Emerging Journalist category winners are not eligible to enter this category again.

AI151: Multimedia Journalist of the Year

The Awards Committee would like to invite multimedia journalists to enter the Cardinal John Foley Award. If you have an individual you would like to recognize (either yourself or someone else), please consider nominating them. You can learn more about the award or nominate someone here: https://www.catholicmediaassociation.org/cardinal-john-foley-award. Please note: There is no cost for nominating someone to the Cardinal John Foley award.

AD322: Best Advertising Campaign

Entries for this category illustrate the best use of effective advertising produced by the publication to increase advertising, circulation, readership, image and/or the prestige of the publication and/or engagement with its online presence, such as social media platforms and websites. Judging will focus on originality and overall quality of presentation. Entrants are not required to demonstrate results of the campaign. An entry includes three to five samples, either as one PDF or URL, including but not limited to copy, images or graphics, etc.

AD325: Best Print Circulation Promotion Campaign

This category is for campaigns that contain more than one element and occur over a period of time. The campaign must originate with the publication and be conducted during 2026. An entry may include mailers, videos, promotion pieces, and any other materials used as part of the campaign to increase circulation. Please upload a PDF or URL of the entire promotion or campaign.

AD331: Best Media Kit

Media kits will be judged based on a clear, uncluttered presentation of information, including, but not limited to, pertinent information of editorial profile, advertiser testimonials, reader profile, and the professional use of graphics. Entry should be new or substantially revised during 2026. Please upload one PDF or URL of the media kit.

AD335: Best Single Ad Originating with the Publication

This category is for the best advertisement designed by the publication. This does not include house ads or press-ready ads. Judges will review content, graphics, call to action, site placement and overall effectiveness to develop reader response. Entry consists of a PDF or URL showing the placement of the ad.

• AD335a: Best Single Ad Originating with the Publication – Print
• AD335b: Best Single Ad Originating with the Publication – Digital

AD343: Best Advertisement Campaign Originating with the Publication for Advertiser

Entries for this category illustrate the best use of effective advertising produced by the publication on behalf of a client. Judging will focus on originality and overall quality of presentation. Entrants are not required to demonstrate results of the campaign. An entry includes one to five samples, including but not limited to copy, images or graphics, etc. An entry consists of one PDF or URL submitted with your submission form.

AD345: Most Effective Use of Small Space

This category is for a print ad that demonstrates a creative use of small space. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page on which the advertisement was published.

AD347: Best Special Supplement or Special Issue with Advertising Emphasis

Criteria for this award stress originality of layout and the extent to which advertising content relates to the editorial content. Each entrant must submit a PDF or URL of the work.

• AD347a: Best Special Supplement or Special Issue with Advertising Emphasis – Newspaper
• AD347b: Best Special Supplement or Special Issue with Advertising Emphasis – Magazine

AW332: Best Photo Gallery or Slideshow

Best use of photo galleries or slide shows that are freestanding and not used to enhance a publication's online presentation of a written story or stories. An entry consists of the URL or PDF of the work.

AW340: Best Video – Feature

This category is for a video that showcases a feature story. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement. Please choose a subcategory that best fits your entry type.

• AW340a: Best Video – Feature – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW340b: Best Video – Feature – Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
• AW340c: Best Video – Feature – Communications Departments

AW341: Best Video – News

This category is for a video that showcases a news story. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.

• AW341a: Best Video – News – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW341b: Best Video – News – Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
• AW341c: Best Video – News – Communications Departments

AW342: Best Video – Pro-life Activities

This category is for a video that features pro-life activism or action. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement. Please choose the appropriate subcategory for the entry. Please choose a subcategory that best fits your entry type

• AW342a: Best Video – Pro-life Activities – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW342b: Best Video – Pro-life Activities – Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
• AW342c: Best Video – Pro-life Activities – Communications Departments

AW343: Best Video – Religious Life

This category is for a video that displays religious life. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement. Please choose the appropriate subcategory for the entry.

• AW343a: Best Video – Religious Life – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW343b: Best Video – Religious Life – Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
• AW343c: Best Video – Religious Life – Communications Departments

AW344: Best Video – Social Justice Issues

This category is for a video about one of the seven themes of Catholic social teaching (based on the USCCB teachings). An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose the appropriate subcategory for the entry. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.

Eligible topics: Call to Family, Community, and Participation; Care for God's Creation; Dignity and Rights of Workers; Life and Dignity of the Human Person; Option for the Poor and Vulnerable; Solidarity; Rights and Responsibilities.

• AW344a: Best Video – Social Justice Issues – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW344b: Best Video – Social Justice Issues – Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
• AW344c: Best Video – Social Justice Issues – Communications Departments

AW345: Best Video – Explainer

This category is for a video, animation, or movable graphics that explains a concept or topic in a simple, engaging, and compelling way. It is both informational and educational and can include demonstrations or providing facts about given topics. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose the appropriate subcategory for the entry. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.

• AW345a: Best Video – Explainer – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW345b: Best Video – Explainer – Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
• AW345c: Best Video – Explainer – Communications Departments

AW346: Best Video – The Clergy

This category is for a video that features the complexities or uniqueness of members of the clergy. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose a subcategory that best fits your entry type. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.

• AW346a: Best Video – The Clergy – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW346b: Best Video – The Clergy – Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
• AW346c: Best Video – The Clergy – Communications Departments

AW347: Best Video – Ordination

This category is for a video that covers an ordination to the diaconate, priesthood or episcopacy. Entries may document the liturgy itself, or tell the story of the people being ordained and the communities that formed them. Judges will consider storytelling, production quality and how well the video conveys the significance of the sacrament. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose a subcategory that best fits your entry type. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.

• AW347a: Best Video – Ordination – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW347b: Best Video – Ordination – Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
• AW347c: Best Video – Ordination – Communications Departments

AW348: Best Video – Explanation of a Holiday or High Holy Day

This category is for a video that explains the significance of a holiday or holy day. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose a subcategory that best fits your entry type. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.

• AW348a: Best Video – Explanation of a Holiday or High Holy Day – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW348b: Best Video – Explanation of a Holiday or High Holy Day – Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
• AW348c: Best Video – Explanation of a Holiday or High Holy Day – Communications Departments

AW349: Best Video – Catechesis

This category is for a video that conveys an aspect of faith. It's both informational and educational. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose a subcategory that best fits your entry type. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.

• AW349a: Best Video – Catechesis – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW349b: Best Video – Catechesis – Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
• AW349c: Best Video – Catechesis – Communications Departments

AW350: Best Video – Hot Topic – Magnifica Humanitas

This category includes coverage of Pope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, as well as analysis of its teachings and their implications for the church and society. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose the subcategory that best fits your entry type. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.

• AW350a: Best Video – Hot Topic – Magnifica Humanitas – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW350b: Best Video – Hot Topic – Magnifica Humanitas – Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
• AW350c: Best Video – Hot Topic – Magnifica Humanitas – Communications Departments

AW355: Best Video – Hot Topic – Beatification of Fulton Sheen

This category includes coverage of Fulton Sheen's beatification, as well as analysis of his life, ministry and legacy. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose the subcategory that best fits your entry type. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.

• AW355a: Best Video – Hot Topic – Beatification of Fulton Sheen – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW355b: Best Video – Hot Topic – Beatification of Fulton Sheen – Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
• AW355c: Best Video – Hot Topic – Beatification of Fulton Sheen – Communications Departments

AW356: Best Video – Hot Topic – The U.S. Midterm Elections

This category includes coverage of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, as well as analysis of key issues, Catholic participation and the results' implications for the church and society. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose the subcategory that best fits your entry type. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.

• AW356a: Best Video – Hot Topic – The U.S. Midterm Elections – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW356b: Best Video – Hot Topic – The U.S. Midterm Elections – Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
• AW356c: Best Video – Hot Topic – The U.S. Midterm Elections – Communications Departments

AW357: Best Video – Personality Profile

This category is for a video personality profile conveying the uniqueness of a living or deceased person. Profiles usually include comments by others about this person. Please select the subcategory that best describes the subject. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.

• AW357a: Best Video – Personality Profile – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW357b: Best Video – Personality Profile – Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
• AW357c: Best Video – Personality Profile – Communications Departments

AW358: Best Video – Immigration

This category is for a video that features coverage of immigration-related topics. An entry consists of a URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose the appropriate subcategory for the entry. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.

• AW358a: Best Video – Immigration – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW358b: Best Video – Immigration – Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
• AW358c: Best Video – Immigration – Communications Departments

AW359: Best Video – Evangelization

This category is for a video that was produced for the purpose of evangelization. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose the subcategory that best fits your entry type. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.

• AW359a: Best Video – Evangelization – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW359b: Best Video – Evangelization – Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
• AW359c: Best Video – Evangelization – Communications Departments

AW360: Best Video – Parish Life

This category is for a video that highlights parish life. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose the subcategory that best fits your entry type. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.

• AW360a: Best Video – Parish Life – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW360b: Best Video – Parish Life – Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
• AW360c: Best Video – Parish Life – Communications Departments

AW363: Best Video – Cultural Heritage

This category is for a video that highlights some aspect of cultural heritage. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose the subcategory that best fits your entry type. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.

• AW363a: Best Video – Cultural Heritage – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW363b: Best Video – Cultural Heritage – Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
• AW363c: Best Video – Cultural Heritage – Communications Departments

AW361: Best Multimedia Package

This category is for a webpage that contains at least one of each of the following: written articles, photos and videos. All elements must be related to the same subject. An entry consists of one URL or PDF where judges can view all online elements.

• AW361a: Best Multimedia Package – Feature
• AW361b: Best Multimedia Package – News
• AW361c: Best Multimedia Package – Social Justice Issues

AW362: Best Multimedia Package – Hot Topic – Magnifica Humanitas

This category includes coverage of Pope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, as well as analysis of its teachings and their implications for the church and society. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation.

AW372: Best Multimedia Package – Hot Topic – Beatification of Fulton Sheen

This category includes coverage of Fulton Sheen's beatification, as well as analysis of his life, ministry and legacy. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation.

AW373: Best Multimedia Package – Hot Topic – The U.S. Midterm Elections

This category includes coverage of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, as well as analysis of key issues, Catholic participation and the results' implications for the church and society. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation.

AW371: Best Multimedia Package Series

This category is for web pages that showcase a series of stories on a single topic. Each story should contain all of the following elements: written articles, photos, videos, and must contain at least three segments. An entry consists of one URL or PDF where judges can view all online elements of at least three segments in the series.

AW381: Best Use of Video on Social Media

This category is for prerecorded video specifically intended for use on social media platforms. The video may cover either news or feature story. An entry consists of a link to the published video on a social media platform and may include a letter explaining more about the story, video production methods, and why the particular social media platform was chosen.

• AW381a: Best Use of Video on Social Media – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW381b: Best Use of Video on Social Media – Communications Department

AW383: Best Use of Video on Social Media – Liturgical Season

This category is for prerecorded video specifically intended for use on social media platforms regarding liturgical seasons. The video may cover either news or feature story, and must have been published on social media. An entry consists of a link to the published video on a social media platform, and may include a letter explaining more about the story, video production methods, and why the particular social media platform was chosen. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

• AW383a: Best Use of Video on Social Media – Liturgical Season – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW383b: Best Use of Video on Social Media – Liturgical Season – Communications Department

AW384: Best Use of Video on Social Media – Ongoing Series

This category is for prerecorded video specifically intended for use on social media platforms for ongoing series. The video may cover either news or feature story, and must have been published on social media. An entry consists of a link to the published video on a social media platform, and may include a letter explaining more about the story, video production methods, and why the particular social media platform was chosen. Please choose the appropriate subcategory for the entry.

• AW384a: Best Use of Video on Social Media – Ongoing Series – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW384b: Best Use of Video on Social Media – Ongoing Series – Communications Departments

AW385: Best Use of Video on Social Media – The Clergy

This category is for prerecorded video specifically intended for use on social media platforms covering the clergy. The video may cover either news or feature story, and must have been published on social media. An entry consists of a link to the published video on a social media platform, and may include a letter explaining more about the story, video production methods, and why the particular social media platform was chosen.

• AW385a: Best Use of Video on Social Media – The Clergy – Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW385b: Best Use of Video on Social Media – The Clergy – Communications Departments

AW510: Best Social Media Presence

This category recognizes the overall excellence and effectiveness of a CMA-member publication's or organization's social media presence during 2026. Entries may be primarily in English or in Spanish. Entries should demonstrate consistent, engaging content rather than a single campaign or initiative. Judging will focus on quality and creativity, consistency of voice, audience engagement and growth and effectiveness in advancing the entrant's mission. An entry consists of a link to one social media platform and links to three to five posts that represent the breadth and quality of the entrant's work throughout 2026. Submissions must also include a PDF of platform analytics demonstrating reach, engagement and audience growth during the year.

• AW510a: Best Social Media Presence – Organizational Communications
• AW510b: Best Social Media Presence – General Publisher
• AW510c: Best Social Media Presence – Magazine
• AW510d: Best Social Media Presence – Newspaper
• AW510e: Best Social Media Presence – Spanish Publication
• AW510f: Best Social Media Presence – Digital-only Publication

AW511: Best Social Media Campaign

This category is for a prolonged social media campaign on a particular topic or theme that resulted in engagement, reach, and genuine movement on social media platforms. An entry consists of a written description of the objectives and goals that led to the implementation of the campaign or initiative, and demonstration of the campaign's effectiveness with statistics on reach and engagement. Submissions must also include links to a variety of two to eight posts across social media, as well as any hashtags unique to the campaign. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

• AW511a: Best Social Media Campaign – Liturgical Seasons
• AW511b: Best Social Media Campaign – General Interest
• AW511c: Best Social Media Campaign – Advertising Campaigns

AW541: Best Use of Social Media for Breaking News

This category is for social media coverage of a major news event, using one or more social media platforms to engage viewers, and deepen their experience of the event. An entry consists of two to eight posts across social media that communicate various aspects of a breaking news story as it unfolds. Submissions should include at least two links to the posts, and may include a letter explaining how coverage was executed and why particular media was chosen.

AW551: Best Use of Photos on Social Media

This category is for a photo or photos published on a social media platform, using imagery within social media to communicate a story or a message. An entry consists of links to two to eight posts where the photo or photos were shared. Submissions may include a letter explaining more about the photo(s) and why the particular social media platform was chosen.

AW552: Best Use of Graphics on Social Media

This category is for a graphic or graphics published on a social media platform, using original graphic design within social media to communicate a story or a message. An entry consists of links to two to eight posts where the graphic or graphics were shared. Submissions may include a letter explaining more about the graphic(s) and why the particular social media platform was chosen.

AW561: Best Podcast

An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may download and listen to a podcast episode(s). Submission includes one to three podcast episodes. Submissions should include a letter with a podcast description along with the one to three episode titles. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work; each podcast can only be submitted once.

• AW561a: Best Podcast – News
• AW561b: Best Podcast – Social Justice Issues
• AW561c: Best Podcast – Spirituality
• AW561d: Best Podcast – Theology and Scripture
• AW561e: Best Podcast – Catholic Life and Culture
• AW561f: Best Podcast – Spanish

AW562: Best Podcast Episode

An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may download and listen to a single podcast episode. You may submit multiple episodes of the same podcast under different subcategories.

• AW562a: Best Podcast Episode – News
• AW562b: Best Podcast Episode – Social Justice Issues
• AW562c: Best Podcast Episode – Spirituality
• AW562d: Best Podcast Episode – Theology and Scripture
• AW562e: Best Podcast Episode – Catholic Life and Culture

AW563: Best Limited Series Podcast

This category recognizes a podcast series created as a finite collection of episodes focused on a single topic, theme, story, or question. The series must have a defined beginning and end and should not be part of an ongoing podcast program. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may download and listen to the podcast series. Submission includes one to three episodes from the series. Submissions should include a letter with a description of the series, the total number of episodes in the series, and the titles of the one to three episodes submitted.

AW571: Best Use of Live Video in Social Media

This category is for live video created within a social media platform, providing coverage of an event or story as it unfolds. An entry consists of a link to the published live video on a social media platform, and may include a letter explaining more about the story, video production methods, and why the particular social media platform was chosen.

AW711: Best Blog or Personal E-newsletter

This category is for blogs or personal e-newsletters (Substack, etc.). It can include news, social justice or spirituality. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. A blog may be written by an individual or multiple people on behalf of an organization or publication, while an e-newsletter is written by one individual for personal promotion. Please submit three to five entries that may be entered for judges to consider. An entry consists of three to five posts or newsletter issues, submitted as one PDF file or as URLs.

• AW711a: Best Blog
• AW711b: Best Personal E-newsletter

AW772: Best Electronic Newsletter

This category recognizes the extent to which a publication is using a periodic electronic newsletter to drive traffic to its website. Judges will examine frequency, design and content of this increasingly popular communications vehicle. An entry consists of one PDF file containing any three to five consecutive electronic newsletters, or the associated URLs.

• AW772a: Best Electronic Newsletter – Diocesan
• AW772b: Best Electronic Newsletter – National
• AW772c: Best Electronic Newsletter – Communications Department

AW751: Best Website

The website must be the site of a CMA member organization. No e-magazines may be submitted. Newsletter websites may be entered in this category. Judging will be on overall quality of site content and graphics, as well as effectiveness in meeting site objectives as stated by the entrant. An entry consists of the URL of the website and a written description of site objectives. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

• AW751a: Best Website – Organizational Communications
• AW751b: Best Website – General Publisher
• AW751c: Best Website – Magazine
• AW751d: Best Website – Newspaper
• AW751e: Best Website – Spanish Publication
• AW751f: Best Website – Digital-only Publication

AW752: Best New or Redesigned Website

The purpose of this category is to recognize updates in website development produced by and for a member organization. This category is separate from the All-Member Best Website category in that it specifically highlights new or redesigned websites within the 2026 calendar year. Judging focuses on the overall quality of site content and graphics, as well as effectiveness in meeting site objectives as stated by the entrant. Entry consists of the URL of the website and a written description of site objectives.

AW771: Best Web and Print Package

This category recognizes the integration of print and online elements to present one main topic. Elements should include printed articles (text and photographs) and web information (text, photographs, graphic elements, slideshows, and/or videos). Judging will focus on the synergy of the combined package and how the elements work together to tell a story. An entry consists of a URL for the online information submitted with your submission form.