2025 Catholic Media Awards

C301: Best Diocesan Fundraising Appeal – Produced by Communication Department Staff

This program highlights efforts to raise money for the diocese through the annual diocesan or bishop’s appeal. The Stewardship Appeal is an example of this promotion.

Entry consists of a PDF or URL where judges can view the quality of the material, the clarity of the message, and the quality/effectiveness of the “ask” for financial support.

• C301a: Print
• C301b: Digital

C305: Best Diocesan Pastoral Message

This category is different from the annual appeal and designed for occasions when an ordinary wants to deliver a specific message to the public or to parishioners.

An entry consists of a URL or PDF where judges can view the content for its clarity of message and effectiveness to produce change or action as indicated by the purpose of the message.

• C305a: Best Diocesan Pastoral Message – Audio or Video
• C305b: Best Diocesan Pastoral Message – Letter

C315: Best Initiative or Campaign

This category is for seasonal or one-time campaigns or initiatives. Annual Diocesan Appeal should enter Category C301.

Entry consists of a URL or PDF where judges can view three consecutive examples of the series for quality of production and its ability to deliver the message and fulfill the purpose of the series. All formats are eligible including video, podcast, and graphic work.

• C315a: Seasonal Campaign
• C315b: General Campaign
• C315c: Hot Topic: Pope Francis
• C315d: Hot Topic: Conclave and the Election of Pope Leo XIV
• C315e: Hot Topic: The Jubilee Year

C320: Best Annual Report (NEW)

The report published in 2025 demonstrates accomplishments in the previous year (calendar year or fiscal year), showing accountability for proper use of resources and services offered to the larger community. Fundraisers and/or special campaign efforts may be entered. Reports must have been published in the publication or online. Internal reports are not eligible.

An entry consists of a PDF or URL where the judges can view the report.

C321: Best Press Release

This category recognizes the ability to deliver a concise statement and the perceived effectiveness of the release in addressing the issue at hand. Content is the major component of this category; production quality is viewed as enhancing or detracting from the intent of the message.

An entry consists of a URL or PDF where judges can view the statement made as a press release in print, audio, or video format.

C325: Best Interview (UPDATED)

This category evaluates the overall effectiveness of a 30-minutes or less media interview on a Church-related topic. Components evaluated include production quality, and the ability of the interviewer to solicit information that makes the interview relevant and impactful.

An entry consists of a URL where judges can view/listen to the interview in audio or video format.

• C325a: Audio
• C325b: Video
• C325c: Text Based Interview (print or digital)

C331: Best Podcast

This category recognizes quality podcast programming produced by the Communications Department independent of the organization’s publication.

Entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may download and listen to podcast episodes. Submissions should include a letter with a podcast description along with the titles of the 1-3 episodes that the judges will consider.

C332: Best Podcast – Limited Series

This category recognizes a series of podcasts on a single issue or topic, or a series on related topics under a category. (i.e. A podcast series exploring the Eucharist and a podcast series on the Sacraments would both be eligible.) The podcast must be produced by the Communications Department independent of the organization’s publication.

Entry consists of two parts 1) the URL(s) of the webpage where judges may download and listen to 3 of the episodes in the series. And 2) a letter with a description of the reason for the podcast’s focus on that particular issue or topic, and a list of the three episode titles for judges to consider.

C341: Best E-newsletter

Judged for design quality and content to determine if the newsletter is pleasant to the eye, appropriate for the intended reader, and delivers the message in a clear and inviting manner. Newsletter developed by the Communications Department, independent of the organization’s publication. Entry consists of 1-3 newsletters viewed through URL or attached PDF.

C351: Best Social Media Account (UPDATED)

This category is for the overall use of diocesan Facebook, X, Instagram, Tiktok, Youtube, and Threads, etc., by a Communications Department. Criteria may include quality of information as well as commitment to engaging followers. Entries consist of the URL where judges can view social media accounts.

• C351a: Bishop
• C351b: Diocese/Archdiocese
• C351c: Religious, Non-profit, University

C361: Best New or Redesigned Website (UPDATED)

The purpose of this category is to recognize updates in website development produced by and for the organization’s Communications Department. This category is separate from the All-Member Best Website category in that it specifically highlights new or redesigned websites within the 2025 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.

C362: Best Annual Report

Entry may be an all-print report or a print/PowerPoint combination. The report published in 2025 demonstrates accomplishments in the previous year (calendar year or fiscal year), showing accountability for proper use of resources and services offered to the larger community. Fundraisers and/or special campaign efforts may be entered. Reports must have been published in the publication or online. Internal reports are not eligible.

An entry consists of a single digital file for an all-print report or two digital files for a print/PowerPoint report (one file for print portion and the other for the PowerPoint presentation). You may submit URLs if your content is available online.