N351: Best Layout of an Article or Column

This category recognizes the best use of graphics, text and/or photography in a single article or column. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the page(s) on which the material was published.

• N351a: Best Layout of an Article or Column – Electronic Edition
• N351b: Best Layout of an Article or Column – Print Edition

N361: Best Front Page

Judging will be based on typography, headline weight, compelling use of graphics and the degree to which the layout draws the eye over the entire page. For tabloids that quarter-fold, the combination of a folded cover and the actual page one will be considered. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the front pages only from any three consecutive issues. Only one entry per publication is permitted.

• N361a: Best Front Page – Electronic Edition
• N361b: Best Front Page – Print Edition

N363: Best Use of Art or Graphics

Judges will consider the quality of the art as well as its ability to help readers better understand the news article. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page(s) on which the artwork or graphic and accompanying story was published.

• N363a: Best Use of Art or Graphics – Graphics Graphics developed by the newspaper's staff or commissioned from a freelance artist specifically for the newspaper to help explain a news or analysis story.
• N363b: Best Use of Art or Graphics – Best Chart or Infographic A chart, graph or other infographic developed by the newspaper's staff or commissioned from a freelance artist specifically for the newspaper to help explain a story.
• N363c: Best Use of Art or Graphics – Best Original Illustration Artwork developed by the publication's staff or commissioned from a freelance artist specifically for the newspaper to illustrate a story or theme.

N508: 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 one PDF file or URL containing the pages on which up to three items (article, column, and/or editorial) were published.

N509: 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 one PDF or URL containing the pages on which up to three items (article, column, and/or editorial) were published.

N510: 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 one PDF file or URL containing the pages on which up to three items (article, column, and/or editorial) were published.

N511: Best Op-Ed

An entry consists of one op-ed written by a guest contributor. (Staff writers are eligible for the following categories: N513, N521, N531 and N533.) Judges will focus on the overall effectiveness of the article submitted. An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the page(s) on which one op-ed is published.

N513: Best Column

Judges will review any three to five different articles by one or more authors. For an entry written by multiple authors to be considered, it must be a column of the same name, written from time to time by different authors. The columns do not have to run consecutively. Judges will focus on the overall effectiveness of the columns submitted. A column may be entered in one subcategory only. An entry consists of one URL or PDF file containing the pages on which three to five columns were published. Please select the subcategory that best suits your work.

• N513a: Best Column – Art, Leisure, Culture and Food
• N513b: Best Column – Bishop's Column in a Diocesan Newspaper
• N513c: Best Column – Family Life
• N513d: Best Column – General Commentary
• N513e: Best Column – Religious Life
• N513f: Best Column – Spiritual Life
• N513g: Best Column – Political Issues
• N513h: Best Column – Scripture/Theology

N521: Best Coverage

This category awards in-depth coverage via articles, columns, special sections or editorials. If a publication does not have three items to submit in this category, it may enter an item in another category (for example, best editorial, interview, column, profile, etc.). Judges will consider the writer's creativity and ability to tell a compelling story. Judges will also consider photographs, artwork or videos that accompany the items. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the pages on which three items (article, column and/or editorial) were published. This category is for digital and print publications.

• N521a: Best Coverage – Immigration
• N521b: Best Coverage – Political Issues
• N521c: Best Coverage – Papal Trips
• N521d: Best Coverage – Religious Liberty
• N521e: Best Coverage – Disaster or Crisis
• N521f: Best Coverage – Pro-life Issues
• N521g: Best Coverage – Racial Inequities
• N521h: Best Coverage – Ecumenical and Interfaith Issues
• N521i: Best Coverage – Catholic Education

N531: Best Editorial

An editorial is an article giving the viewpoint of the publication, editor, or staff on a subject about which different opinions can be held. The editorial may be signed or unsigned but must be written by a member of the newspaper's staff. Emphasis will be on the persuasive quality of the editorial, rather than simple commentary. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page(s) on which the editorial was published.

• N531a: Best Editorial – Local Issue
• N531b: Best Editorial – National or International Issue

N533: Best Essay

Judges will consider depth of reflection, persuasiveness and use of examples. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the page(s) on which the essay is published.

N537: Best Feature Article

A feature article covers a group, trend or event of general interest and is not "hard" or breaking news. A story should exhibit thorough reporting, but should be distinguished by the quality of its writing, its accessibility, and its human-interest value. Editorials, book and movie reviews, personality profiles, background articles and news analyses may not be submitted in this category. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts or illustrations. Work from freelance or part-time staff is allowed. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page(s) on which the article was published. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

• N537a: Best Feature Article – Diocesan Weekly
• N537b: Best Feature Article – Diocesan Non-Weekly
• N537c: Best Feature Article – National Newspaper or Wire Service

N541: Best Headline

Headline writing is both a skill and an art. A good headline sells the story, provoking the reader to stop and read it. Each word is important; there is no padding. Verbs are snappy, the full headline clear and precise. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the page(s) on which the headline and complete story were published. Blog titles are not eligible for this category.

N545: Best Interview

The interview may be in question-and-answer or narrative format. Stories should have an eye for atmosphere and detail. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the page(s) on which the interview was published.

N561: Best In-Depth Reporting

This category recognizes work whose primary achievement is the depth and substance of its original reporting. Through interviews, documents, data, observation, or other reporting methods, the article substantially expands readers' knowledge of a significant subject. Entries will be judged on the depth of reporting, the quality of sourcing, the significance of the information gathered, and the quality of the writing. Eligible work provides a fuller understanding of an event, issue, community, or situation. Related stories, graphics, sidebars photos or videos published in the same article will be considered with the entry. Work from freelance or part-time staff is allowed. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page(s) on which the article was published. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

• N561a: Best In-Depth Reporting – Diocesan Weekly
• N561b: Best In-Depth Reporting – Diocesan Non-Weekly
• N561c: Best In-Depth Reporting – National Newspaper or Wire Service

N563: Best Investigative Reporting

This category recognizes original reporting that uncovers significant facts that were concealed, obscured, or difficult to obtain. Entries will be judged on the initiative and rigor of the investigation, the strength of the evidence, the significance of the findings, and the clarity and quality of the writing. Can be a series (maximum of 3 clips, please) or a single article, and may include sidebars. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts or illustrations. Work from freelance or part-time staff is allowed. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page(s) on which the article or series was published. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

• N563a: Best Investigative Reporting – Diocesan Weekly
• N563b: Best Investigative Reporting – Diocesan Non-Weekly
• N563c: Best Investigative Reporting – National Newspaper or Wire Service

N564: Best Analysis/Background/Round-Up News Writing: The Gerard E. Sherry Award

This category recognizes work whose primary achievement is explaining or interpreting a significant event, issue, or development. Drawing on relevant evidence, the article helps readers understand why something happened, how competing explanations compare, or what its consequences may be. Original reporting may be included, but entries will be judged primarily on the strength of the explanation, the effective use of evidence, and the quality of the writing. Analysis must be grounded in evidence; opinion or advocacy alone does not qualify. Can be a series (maximum of 3 clips, please) or a single article, and may include sidebars. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts or illustrations. Work from freelance or part-time staff is allowed. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page(s) on which the article or series was published. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

• N564a: Best Analysis/Background/Round-Up News Writing: The Gerard E. Sherry Award – Diocesan Weekly
• N564b: Best Analysis/Background/Round-Up News Writing: The Gerard E. Sherry Award – Diocesan Non-Weekly
• N564c: Best Analysis/Background/Round-Up News Writing: The Gerard E. Sherry Award – National Newspaper or Wire Service

N565: Best Local News Coverage

Entries are from news writing on a subject or topic originating primarily in the diocese where the newspaper is published. Entries may include sidebars but must include three to five articles. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts or illustrations. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page(s) on which the articles were published. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

• N565a: Best Local News Coverage – Diocesan Weekly
• N565b: Best Local News Coverage – Diocesan Non-Weekly
• N565c: Best Local News Coverage – National Newspaper or Wire Service

N566: Best Regional News Coverage

Entries are from news writing on a subject or topic originating primarily in the state area where the newspaper is published. Entries may include sidebars but must include three to five articles. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts or illustrations. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page(s) on which the articles were published. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

• N566a: Best Regional News Coverage – Diocesan Weekly
• N566b: Best Regional News Coverage – Diocesan Non-Weekly
• N566c: Best Regional News Coverage – National Newspaper or Wire Service

N567: Best National News Coverage

Entries are from straight news writing on a subject or event of national impact originating outside the geographical area where the newspaper is published. The entry may include coverage of local aspects of the subject or event. One-shot subcategories are for single stories only. Series subcategories must include 3 to 5 clips, in one or several issues, and may include sidebars. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts, or illustrations. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page(s) on which the article or series was published. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

• N567a: Best National News Coverage – One Shot
• N567b: Best National News Coverage – Series

N568: Best International News Coverage

Entries are from straight news writing on a subject or event of international impact originating outside the geographical area where the newspaper is published. The entry may include coverage of local aspects of the subject or event. One-shot subcategories are for single stories only. Series subcategories must include three to five clips, in one or several issues, and may include sidebars, but must be about the same subject or event. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts, or illustrations. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page(s) on which the article or series was published. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

• N568a: Best International News Coverage – One Shot
• N568b: Best International News Coverage – Series

N571: Best Personality Profile

Entries in this category should answer two questions: (1) Who is this person? and (2) Why does he/she make a difference? Stories should have an eye for atmosphere and significant personal details, as well as stated beliefs and accomplishments. Judges will consider the quality of writing and ability to convey through words a sense of the whole person. Work from freelance or part-time staff is allowed. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page(s) on which the article was published. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

• N571a: Best Personality Profile – Laity
• N571b: Best Personality Profile – Religious

N572: Best Obituary

This category is for obituaries. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the page(s) on which it was published.

N573: Best Parish Profile

This category profiles one particular parish community and its ability to promote and build faith formation through its ministries and leadership. Judging will focus on quality of writing and writer's ability to present through works a complete picture of the community and what makes it unique and innovative. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the page(s) on which the article was published.

N575: Best Reporting on a Special Age Group

Coverage should be of what members of the age group are doing, not simply of events. It may be a single article, a series (maximum three clips, please), pictures, or even a special section. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page(s).

• N575a: Best Reporting on a Special Age Group – Senior Citizens
• N575b: Best Reporting on a Special Age Group – Young Adults (18-40)
• N575c: Best Reporting on a Special Age Group – Children and Teens Younger than 18

N576: Best Reporting on Catholic Education

This category is an article about any aspect of Catholic education. Judges will consider the reporter's creativity and ability to tell a compelling story, as well as photographs, artwork, or videos that accompany the article. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing page(s) on which the article was published. You may also submit a URL if your content is available online.

N577: Best Reporting on the Celebration of a Sacrament

This category is for one article or column of one of the Seven Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. Judges will consider the reporter's creativity and ability to tell a compelling story, as well as photographs, artwork, or video that accompany the writing. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing page(s) on which the article was published.

N578: Best Reporting on Cultural Heritage

This category recognizes reporting on devotions, festivals, ethnic traditions and community events that demonstrate and build a community's cultural heritage. An entry may be a single story or a series. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing page(s) on which the article was published.

N579: Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues

This category is for one to three article(s) or columns about one of the seven themes of Catholic social teaching (based on the USCCB article on the seven themes). Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF or URL file containing the page(s) on which the material was published. Please select the subcategory that best suits your work.

• N579a: Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues – Call to Family, Community and Participation
• N579b: Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues – Care for God's Creation
• N579c: Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues – Dignity and Rights of Workers
• N579d: Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues – Life and Dignity of the Human Person
• N579e: Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues – Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
• N579f: Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues – Rights and Responsibilities
• N579g: Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues – Solidarity

N580: Best Reporting on Family

This category recognizes outstanding reporting on news that impacts family life, with an emphasis on Church teaching. An entry may be a single story or a series. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing page(s) on which the article was published.

N581: Best Sports Reporting

This category is for a one-shot section, feature, series, or personality profile of an athlete or sports team. Judges will consider the writer's creativity and ability to tell a compelling story. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF or URL file of the page(s) containing the published article.

• N581a: Best Sports Reporting – Sports Feature or Column
• N581b: Best Sports Reporting – Sports News

N583: Best Reporting on Priests, Religious and Deacons

This category is for one to three article(s) or columns about the lives, ministries, experiences or issues affecting priests, members of religious communities or permanent deacons. Entries may include profiles, news, features, analysis, or commentary examining their roles in the church and wider community. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the pages on which one to three items (article, column and or editorial) were published.

Articles primarily focused on discernment, formation, or the call to priesthood, religious life, or the permanent diaconate should be entered in N584: Best Reporting on Vocations to the Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate.

N584: Best Reporting on Vocations to the Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate

This category is for one to three article(s) or columns about vocations to the priesthood, religious life or permanent diaconate. Entries may explore vocational discernment, the call to ministry or religious life, formation and preparation, recruitment or trends and issues affecting vocations in the church. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the pages on which one to three items (article, column and or editorial) were published.

Articles primarily focused on the lives, ministries, or experiences of priests, members of religious communities, or permanent deacons after formation should be entered in N583: Best Reporting on Priests, Religious and Deacons.

N595: Best Special Issue

Judges will consider front page design, interior page layouts, and the extent to which editorial content creatively and thoroughly addresses the theme(s) of the issue. May or may not include advertising content. Please upload one PDF or URL of the work. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

• N595a: Best Special Issue – On a Bishop's Transition This issue focuses exclusively on a bishop's transition, including new local ordinary, new auxiliary, or bishop's retirement.
• N595b: Best Special Issue – One-Time Special Issue A one-time special issue based around a theme or event that will not occur again.
• N595c: Best Special Issue – Regular Special Issue A regular special issue that runs on a regular basis (e.g., an annual "back to school" issue).
• N595d: Best Special Issue – Seasonal Issue A special issue that focuses on any liturgical season (Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter) or secular holiday (Fourth of July, Mother's Day, etc.).

N596: Best Special Supplement or Section

A supplement is considered an insert or portion of the entire publication. Judges will consider design, layouts, and the extent to which editorial content creatively and thoroughly addresses the theme(s) of the supplement. May or may not include advertising content. Please upload one PDF or URL of the work. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

• N596a: Best Special Supplement or Section – On a Bishop's Transition This section focuses exclusively on a bishop's transition, including new local ordinary, new auxiliary, or bishop's retirement.
• N596b: Best Special Supplement or Section – One-Time Special Section A one-time special section based around a theme or event that will not occur again.
• N596c: Best Special Supplement or Section – Regular Special Section A regular special section that runs on a regular basis (e.g., an annual "back to school" section).
• N596d: Best Special Supplement or Section – Seasonal Section A special section that focuses on any liturgical season (Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter) or secular holiday (Fourth of July, Mother's Day, etc.).

N811: Best Multiple Picture Package

A multiple picture package is two or more photographs covering the same event or topic that do not tell a complete story and are almost always accompanied by text. An entry consists of one PDF or URL file containing the pages on which the photos were published.

• N811a: Best Multiple Picture Package – Feature
• N811b: Best Multiple Picture Package – News
• N811c: Best Multiple Picture Package – Sports

N821: Best Photo Story

A photo story is a cohesive group of select images that by themselves, with little added text, tell a story. The photo story should include opening and closing shots, with each picture moving the story along for the viewer. Text and photo layout/design is secondary and will be judged as such. An entry consists of one PDF or URL file containing the pages on which the photos were published. Choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

• N821a: Best Photo Story – Feature
• N821b: Best Photo Story – News

N831: Best Story and Photo Package

This award is for one article or feature on any topic consisting of both image(s) and written content together. Judges will consider creativity and ability to tell a compelling story, as well as the overall impact of the photo and story together as one piece. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the pages on which the story and photo package were published. Choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

• N831a: Best Story and Photo Package – By an Individual
• N831b: Best Story and Photo Package – By Two or More Individuals

N840: Best Photograph – Feature Photo

Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

N841: Best Photograph – Spot News

A spot news photo is a photograph that captures an unexpected, breaking news event as it happens. Photos should illustrate either a unique news event or a unique twist on a normally occurring news event (ordination, graduation, etc.). News value and aesthetic will be judged. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

N842: Best Photograph – General News Photo

Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

N843: Best Photograph – Photo-Illustration

Photos may be black and white or color. Illustration photographs are used in journalism to illustrate abstract topics or concepts. Those photos may have been digitally manipulated or used posed models to illustrate a concept but identified as such in the caption. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

N844: Best Photograph – Portrait

Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

N845: Best Photograph – Scenic, Still-life or Weather Photo

Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

N846: Best Photograph – Sports Photo

Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

N847: Best Photograph – Sacramental

Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

N848: Best Photograph – Priesthood, Religious Life, or Diaconate

Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

N849: Best Photograph – Holy Days/Liturgical Seasons

Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

N850: Best Photograph – Cultural Heritage

Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

N851: Best Photograph – Catholic Education

Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

N852: Best Photograph – Immigration/Migration

Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible. An entry consists of one PDF or URL file containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

N853: Best Photograph – National/International Event

Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

N854: Best Photograph – Hot Topic: Magnifica Humanitas

Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

N855: Best Photograph – Hot Topic: Beatification of Fulton Sheen

Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

N856: Best Photograph – Hot Topic: The U.S. Midterm Elections

Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.