2025 Catholic Media Awards 

Note

Please include a headshot or recent photo of the person being nominated with your application. Make sure people know that you can submit yourself or someone else can submit on your behalf.

AI111: Advertising Business/Marketing Professional of the Year NEW

Entry should exemplify the high quality, professionalism and consistency of the nominated individual’s work during 2025. 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 2025. 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 a general publisher or diocese.

Entry will consist of a nomination letter as well as a PDF or URL of the publisher’s or diocesan 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.

AI131a: Editor of the Year

This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to English-language CMA publications or Publisher Members during 2025. Entrants must be on the staff of, or contribute as a freelancer to a CMA member publication. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness.

An entry consists of a letter that describes the entrant’s contributions, qualities, professionalism that made the nominee’s success notable. You may submit three to five samples of the individual’s efforts during 2025 on a PDF file or URLs if the samples are online. A letter must be included to describe an entrant’s contributions, qualities, and professionalism in the ongoing communication efforts.

AI131b: Editor of the Year

This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to Spanish-language CMA publication(s) or Publisher Members during 2025. Entrants must be on the staff of, or contribute as a freelancer to, a CMA member publication. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness. To be eligible for this category, samples must have been published by a CMA publication and originally written in Spanish. Samples originally written in English and translated into Spanish are not eligible. Samples from an English language publication with a Spanish language section are eligible.

An entry consists of three to five samples of the individual’s efforts during 2025. 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. Writers who have editor responsibilities for publications should upload a PDF file containing three to five samples through the awards website. You may also submit a PDF file or a Word Document listing URLs if the samples are available online.

AI141: Graphic Artist/Designer of the Year

This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA publication(s) or Publisher Members during 2025. Entrants must be on the staff of, or a freelancer contributor to, a CMA member publication. 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 file or a URL if the graphics/designs are available online.

AI151: Multimedia Journalist of the Year

This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA media or Publisher Members during 2025. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness.

An entry consists of three to five articles, photos and videos. For this multimedia category, you must submit examples of the following three: text, photos, and videos. 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 Word Document listing URLs if the items are available online.

Entries must have components of narrative text, photo(s), and video(s). The entrant must have created all three. In addition, entries may contain other forms of media, such as podcasts, graphics animation video, and movable graphics, but the entry must demonstrate excellence in writing, photography, and videography in order to compete in this category.

AI161: Photographer of the Year

This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA publication(s) or Publisher Members during 2025. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness.

An entry consists of eight to ten 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 2025. 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.

AI175a: Writer of the Year

This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to English-language CMA publication(s) or Publisher Members during 2025. 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 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 samples are available online.

AI175b: Writer of the Year

This category recognizes a writer for exemplary service to a Spanish-language CMA members during 2025. 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. To be eligible for this category, samples must have been published by a CMA publication and originally written in Spanish. Samples originally written in English and translated into Spanish are not eligible. Samples from an English-language publication with a Spanish-language section are eligible.

An entry consists of three to five writing samples. 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 samples are available online.

AI181: Videographer/Video Producer of the Year – Diocesan and National News Organizations

This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA members during 2025. Entrants must be on the staff of, or a freelance contributor to, a CMA diocesan or national news organization. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness. Judges will verify that a person works for a diocesan or national news organization. If you work for a radio, television/film company, please enter AI182.

An entry consists of three to five videos. 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 of where the content is available.

AI182: Videographer/Video Producer of the Year – Radio, Television Station or Film Companies

This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA members during 2025. Entrants must be on the staff of, or a freelance contributor to, a CMA radio, television station or film company. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness. Judges will verify that a person works for a radio, television or film company. If you work for a Diocese or national news organization, please enter AI181.

An entry consists of three to five videos. 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 videos are available online.

AI191: Podcaster of the Year

This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA publication(s) or Publisher Members during 2025. 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.

AW331: Best Illustration with Graphic Design or Art

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. Entries are an illustration originating with the publication of an article, story, or poem.

An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation or enter one PDF file of the page on which the illustration was published.

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 of the webpage where judges may view the presentation or enter one PDF file of the page on which the illustration was published.

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: Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW340b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies

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: Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW341b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies

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: Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW342b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies

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: Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW343b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies

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).

Eligible topics:

• Call to Family, Community, and Participation
• Care for God's Creation
• Dignity and Rights of the Workers
• Life and Dignity of the Human Person
• Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
• Solidarity

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.

• AW344a: Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW344b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies

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: Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW345b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies

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: Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW346b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies

AW347: Best Video – Ordination

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.

• AW347a: Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW347b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies

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: Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW349b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies

AW350: Best Video – Pope Francis NEW - HOT TOPIC

This category includes coverage of Pope Francis' illness, final days, death and funeral, as well as obituaries, remembrances and analysis of his papacy. 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: Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW350b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies

AW355: Best Video – The Papal Conclave and the Election of Pope Leo XIV

NEW - HOT TOPIC

This category includes coverage of the papal interregnum, the papabili, the conclave, Pope Leo XIV's background and the early days of his papacy. 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: Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW355b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies

AW356: Best Video - The Jubilee Year NEW - HOT TOPIC

This category is for videos related to the Jubilee year. 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: Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW356b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies

AW357: Best Video: Personality Profile NEW

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.

• AW357a: Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW357b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies

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: Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW358b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies

AW361a: Best Multimedia Package – Feature UPDATED

This category is for a webpage that showcases a feature story 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.

AW361b: Best Multimedia Package – News UPDATED

This category is for a webpage that showcases a news story 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.

AW361c: Best Multimedia Package – Social Justice Issues UPDATED

This category is for a multimedia package about one of the seven themes of Catholic social teaching (based on the USCCB teaching).

Eligible topics:

• Call to Family, Community, and Participation
• Care for God's Creation
• Dignity and Rights of the Workers
• Life and Dignity of the Human Person
• Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
• Solidarity

The entry must contain 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.

AW362: Best Multimedia Package – Hot Topic: The Conclave and the Election of Pope Leo XIV NEW - HOT TOPIC

This category includes coverage of the papal interregnum, the papabili, the conclave, Pope Leo XIV's background and the early days of his papacy. 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.

AW372: Best Multimedia Package – Hot Topic: Pope Francis NEW - HOT TOPIC

This category includes coverage of Pope Francis' illness, final days, death and funeral, as well as obituaries, remembrances and analysis of his papacy.

An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation.

AW373: Best Multimedia Package – Hot Topic: The Jubilee Year NEW - HOT TOPIC

This category is for coverage of a hot topic, in this case, the Jubilee Year.

An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation.

AW381a: Best Use of Video on Social Media – Diocesan Communications

This category is for prerecorded video specifically intended for use on social media platforms by diocesan or archdiocesan communications departments. 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.

AW381b: Best Use of Video on Social Media – News Organization

This category is for prerecorded video specifically intended for use on social media platforms by news organizations. 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.

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: Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW383b: Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies

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: Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW384b: Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies

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

This category is for prerecorded video specifically intended for use on social media platforms by diocesan or archdiocesan communications departments 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: Diocesan and National News Organizations
• AW385b: Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies

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:Liturgical Seasons
• AW511b: General interest
• AW511c: 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 in 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 in 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.

AW561a: Best Podcast – News UPDATED

This category is for a podcast that features news items topical in that particular news cycle.

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.

AW561b: Best Podcast – Social Justice Issues UPDATED

This category is for a podcast that features a topic (or topics) on social justice issues. 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.

Eligible topics:

• Call to Family, Community, and Participation
• Care for God's Creation
• Dignity and Rights of the Workers
• Life and Dignity of the Human Person
• Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
• Solidarity

AW561c: Best Podcast – Expression of Faith

This category is for a podcast that features a topic or topics on issues of faith. 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.

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.

AW711a: Best Blog or Personal E-Newsletter – Topical News UPDATED

This category is for blogs or personal e-newsletter (Substack, etc.) that feature news items topical in that particular news cycle. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. A blog may be entered into more than one subcategory except where otherwise instructed. An entry consists of the blog’s permanent URL. Please submit three to five blog entries that may be entered for judges to consider.

AW711b: Best Blog – Social Justice Issues

This category is for blogs or personal e-newsletter (Substack, etc.) that feature a topic or topics on social justice issues. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. A blog may be entered into more than one subcategory except where indicated otherwise.

Eligible topics:

• Call to Family, Community, and Participation
• Care for God's Creation
• Dignity and Rights of the Workers
• Life and Dignity of the Human Person
• Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
• Solidarity

An entry consists of the blog’s permanent URL. Please submit three to five blog entries that may be entered for judges to consider.

AW711c: Best Blog – Expression of Faith

This category is for blogs or personal e-newsletter (Substack, etc.) that feature a topic or topics on issues of faith. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. A blog may be entered into more than one category except where otherwise instructed.

An entry consists of the blog’s permanent URL. Please submit three to five blog entries that may be entered for judges to consider.

AW731: Best Online Content Not Published in Print – Photo

This category is for photo content posted on a publisher's website. Content that also appears in the print publication is not eligible.

An entry consists of three to five photographs covering the same event or topic. The photos may appear either alongside an article or in an independent photo gallery on the publication's website. Please submit a PDF or URL where this content can be viewed.

AW732: Best Online Content Not Published in Print – Articles UPDATED

This category honors the extent to which publications are increasingly posting original features or news content on their websites. Content that also appears in the print publication is not eligible.

An entry consists of three to five feature articles published online within a 60-day period that by themselves demonstrate sound writing and storytelling, and in the aggregate suggests a publication staff’s belief in the immediacy and value of reaching an online audience.

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. Please submit a PDF or URL where this content can be viewed.

AW751: Best Website

The website must be the site of CMA member publication. 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: Diocesan
• AW751b: General Publisher
• AW751c: Magazine
• AW751d: Newspaper
• AW751e: Spanish Publication

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.

AW772: Best Electronic Newsletter

This category recognizes the extent to which a publication is using a periodic diocesan 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.

• AW772a: Diocesan
• AW722b: National