2026 Catholic Media Awards

Newspaper Division

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General Excellence
Advertising
Design
Editorial
Photography

General Excellence

Don’t forget about the Individual Excellence categories found in the All Member Division.

GN111: Best Newspaper

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 graphic design. Contributions for this category can be from part-time staff or freelancers.

An entry consists of three to five consecutive issues published during 2025. Only one entry per publication is permitted.

Each entrant must submit a PDF copy of each issue for the judges or URL.

Please use the Image upload section to upload a JPEG image of one page, cover, or montage for possible use during the Catholic Media Awards Banquet through the awards website.

GN111a: Best Newspaper – Diocesan Weekly
GN111b: Best Newspaper – Diocesan Non-Weekly
GN111c: Best Newspaper – National/Wire Service

N222: Best Print Circulation Promotion Campaign UPDATE

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 2025. 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 copy or URL of the entire promotion or campaign submitted with your submission form.

Advertising

N322: Best Advertising Campaign (NEW)

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 3 to 5 samples, including but not limited to copy, images or graphics, etc.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL submitted with your submission form.

N325: Best Print Circulation Promotion Campaign (NEW)

Please upload a PDF copy or URL of the entire promotion or campaign.

N331: Best Media Kit 2025

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 2025.

Please upload one PDF copy or URL of the pages on which the advertisement was published.

N335: Best Single Ad Originating with the Publication

This category is for the best online ad (static or dynamic) designed by the publication. This does not include house ads or paid advertisers. Judges will review content, graphics, call to action, site placement and overall effectiveness to develop reader response.

Entry consists of a PDF or URL the placement of the ad on the webpage.

N335a: Print
N335b: Digital

N343: Best Advertisement Campaign Originating with the Publication for Advertiser

An entry includes 3 to 5 samples, including but not limited to copy, images or graphics, etc.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL submitted with your submission form.

N345: Most Effective Use of Small Space

This category is for a print ad or ads designed by the newspaper 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.

N347: 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 copy or URL of the work.

N349: Best Ad Designed by a Publication for a Client (UPDATED)

Criteria for this award stress originality of layout and design.

Each entrant must submit a PDF copy or URL of the advertisement.

N335a: Print
N335b: Digital

Design

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: Electronic Edition
N361b: Print Edition

N365: Best Use of 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.

N365a: Art or 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.
N365b: Best Chart or Information Graphic
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.
N365c: Best Use of 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.

N371: Best Layout of 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.

N371a: Electronic Edition
N371b: Print Edition

Editorial

N508: Hot Topic – Pope Francis (UPDATED)

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

N509: Hot Topic – The Papal Conclave and Election of Pope Leo XIV (UPDATED)

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 one PDF or URL containing the pages on which up to three items (article, column, and/or editorial) were published. This category is for print and digital publications.

N510: Hot Topic – The Jubilee Year (NEW)

This category is for coverage of the Jubilee Year.

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.

N513: Best Regular Column (UPDATED)

An entry consists of three 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. Judges will focus on the overall effectiveness of the columns submitted. This category is for digital and print publications.

A column may be entered in one subcategory only. An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the page(s) on which three columns were published. Entry must be the sole work on the staff of, or contributing as freelancers to, a CMA member publication.

N513a: Art, Leisure, Culture, and Food
N513b: Bishop’s Column in a Diocesan Newspaper
N513c: Family Life
N513d: General Commentary
M513e: Scripture
N513f: Spiritual Life
N513g: Political Issues
N513h: 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 concerning immigration. This category is for digital and print publications. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N521a: Immigration
N521b: Political Issues
N521c: Papal Trips
N521d: Religious-liberty issues
N521e: Disasters or crises
N521f: Pro-life issues
N521g: Racial Inequities
N521h: Ecumenical and/or Interfaith Issues
N521i: Catholic Education

N531: Best Editorial on a Local Issue (UPDATED)

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 on an issue originating primarily in the geographical area where the newspaper is published (i.e. your diocese). Emphasis will be on the persuasive quality of the editorial, rather than simple commentary. 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 editorial was published.

N532: Best Editorial on a National or International Issue (UPDATED)

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 on an issue originating outside the geographical area where the newspaper is published. Emphasis will be on the persuasive quality of the editorial, rather than simple commentary 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 editorial was published. You may also submit a URL if your content is available online. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N537: Best Feature Writing

These entries are stories covering a group, trend or event of general interest, 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 Writing – Diocesan Weekly
N537b: Best Feature Writing – Diocesan Non-Weekly
N537c: Best Feature Writing – 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.

N561: Best In-Depth News/Special Reporting

In-depth news and special reporting focus on the initiative of the newspaper to present facts of an event or situation of importance that may be otherwise unknown to the reader. The category recognizes reporting, through one’s own initiative and work, which will be judged on news value, evidence of research, and quality of reporting, writing and local focus. The entire story must have been published in one issue. 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 News/Special Reporting – Diocesan Weekly
N561b: Best In-Depth News/Special Reporting – Diocesan Non-Weekly
N561c: Best In-Depth News/Special Reporting – National Newspaper or Wire Service

N563: Best Investigative News Writing

Investigative writing focuses on the initiative of the newspaper to uncover the facts of an event or situation that are otherwise unknown. 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 News Writing – Diocesan Weekly
N563b: Best Investigative News Writing – Diocesan Non-Weekly
N563c: Best Investigative News Writing – National newspaper or Wire Service

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

Analysis writing focuses on how well the paper informs or interprets an event or situation that is controversial, confusing or misunderstood. 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 News Writing on a Local Event (UPDATED)

Entries are from news writing on a subject or topic originating primarily in the diocese where the newspaper is published. N565a can include sidebars. If you are entering N565b, entry 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 News Writing on a Local Event – Diocesan Weekly
N565b: Best News Writing on a Local Event – Diocesan Non-Weekly
N565c: Best News Writing on a Local Event – National newspaper or Wire Service.

N566: Best News Writing on Regional Event (UPDATED)

Entries are from news writing on a subject or topic originating primarily in the state area where the newspaper is published. N566a can include sidebars. If you are entering N566b, entry 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 News Writing on a Regional Event – Diocesan Weekly
N566b: Best News Writing on a Regional Event – Diocesan Non-Weekly
N566c: Best News Writing on a Local Event – National newspaper or Wire Service.

N567: Best News Writing on a National Event

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 News Writing on a National Event - One Shot
N567b: Best News Writing on a National Event - Series

N568: Best News Writing on an International Event

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 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.

N568a: Best News Writing on an International Event - One Shot
N568b: Best News Writing on an International Event - 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: Government Leader
N571b: Laity
N571c: Religious Leader

N572: Obituaries (NEW)

This category is for obituaries. Please submit obituaries on Pope Francis into N352.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL file containing the page(s) on which the personality profile 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.

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page(s).

N575a: Senior Citizens
N575b: Young Adults (18-40)
N575c: Children and Teens Younger than 18

N579: Best Reporting on the Celebration of a Sacrament

This category awards analysis, columns, special sections, or editorials. If a publication does not have one to three items to submit in this category, you 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 or URL file containing the pages on which one to three items (article, column, and or editorial).

N581: Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues

This category is for an article or column about one of the seven themes of Catholic social teaching (based on the USCCB article linked here).

An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the page(s) on which the material was published. Entry must be the sole work on the staff of, or contributing as freelancers to, a CMA member publication. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N581a: Call to Family, Community, and Participation
N581b: Care for God’s Creation
N581c: Dignity and Rights of Workers
N581d: Life and Dignity of the Human Person
N581e: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
N581f: Rights and Responsibilities
N581g: Solidarity

N584: Best Reporting on Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate (UPDATED)

This award is for a one-shot section or series. One-shot entry may include sidebars. A series must be three to five clips. Personality profiles of a religious man or woman, deacon, priest, bishop, or cardinal are accepted. Personality profiles can also be submitted into N571. Judges will consider the writer’s creativity and ability to tell a compelling story. For special sections, please enter N596.

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing page(s) on which the material was published. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N584a: One-Shot
N584b: Series

N587: Best Seasonal Issue Updated

Entries can be made for any liturgical season (Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter) or secular holiday (Fourth of July, Mother’s Day, etc.). Judges will consider depth of content that relates to the season, cover layout and interior page design.

Please upload one PDF or URL of the work to the submission form.

N587a: Print Only
N587b: Digital Only

N591: Best Sports Journalism

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.
You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online.

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.

N591a: Sports Feature or Column
N591b: Sports News

N596: Best Print Special Supplement

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 supplement. May or may not include advertising content. Please enter print seasonal issues into N587a.

Please upload one PDF or URL of the work. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N596a: On a Bishop's Transition
This supplement focuses exclusively on a bishop's transition, including new local ordinary, new auxiliary, or bishop’s retirement.
N596b: One-Time Special Issue
A one-time special supplement is for an event that will not occur again or will not occur again for a long time
N596c: Regular Special Supplement
A regular special supplement is planned by the newspaper (e.g., a "back to school" supplement that runs annually).

N597: Best Special Supplement – Digital Only

An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page(s) where the supplement is published. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N597a: On a Bishop's Transition
This supplement focuses exclusively on a bishop's transition, including new local ordinary, new auxiliary, or bishop’s retirement.
N597b: One-Time Special Issue
A one-time special supplement is for an event that will not occur again or will not occur again for a long time.
N597c: Regular Special Supplement
A regular special supplement is planned by the newspaper (e.g., a "back to school" supplement that's run annually).

Photography

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: Feature
N811b: News
N811c: 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: Feature
N821b: Story

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: By an Individual
N831b: By Two Individuals or more