2025 Catholic Media Awards

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 2025. Only one entry per publication is permitted.

S335: Best Single Advertisement Originating with the Publication

Best original ad prepared by the publication’s staff for an advertising client. This may include digital or print advertisements.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL file containing the page(s) on which the material was published.

S347: Best Special Supplement or Special Issue

Criteria for this award stress originality of layout in a special supplement or special issue.

Each entrant must submit one PDF or URL file containing the page(s) on which the material was published.

S351a: Best Layout of an Article or Column – Newspaper

This category recognizes a newspaper’s best use of graphics, text and/or photography in a single article or column.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the page(s) on which the material was published.

S351b: Best Layout of an Article or Column – Magazine

This category recognizes a magazine’s best use of graphics, text and/or photography in a single article or column.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the page(s) on which the material was published.

S361: Best Cover – Magazine

Judges will consider graphic elements, typeface, and the extent to which the layout is creative and compelling.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the cover only (not the entire issue).

S362: Best Cover – Newspaper

Judges will consider graphic elements, typeface, and the extent to which the layout is creative and compelling.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the cover only (not the entire issue).

S363: Best Use of Art or Graphics

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. Judges will consider the quality of the art as well as its ability to help readers better understand the news article.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the page(s) on which the artwork or graphic and accompanying story was published. Entrants may choose the subcategory that most closely fits their work.

• S363a: Best Original Illustration — Graphics developed by the publication’s staff or commissioned from a freelance artist specifically for the publication to help explain a news or analysis story.
• S363b: Best Chart or Information Graphic — A chart, graph or other infographic developed by the publication’s staff or commissioned from a freelance artist specifically for the publication to help explain a story.

S402: 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, 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 about the story, video production methods, and why the particular social media platform was chosen.

S403: Best Podcast

This category is for podcasts.

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 must include a letter with episode titles and a description about the podcast.

S404a: Best Online Content Not Published in Print – Photo

This category is for photo content posted on a publisher website. Content that also appears in the print publication is not eligible. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category.

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. URLs may be submitted where judges can view the news content online. If more than one URL is being submitted, please list them in a Word or PDF document and upload them into the entry field that allows file uploads.

S404b: Best Online Content Not Published in Print – Feature or News

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. URLs may be submitted where judges can view the news content online. If multiple URLs are being submitted, please list them in a PDF or Word document and upload them into the entry field that allows file uploads.

S508: 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 or URL file containing the pages on which up to three items (article, column, and/or editorial) were published. You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online.

S509: Hot Topic – The Papal Conclave and the Election of Pope Leo XIV UPDATED

This category is for coverage of a hot topic, in this case, the papal conclave, the election of Pope Leo XIV, and his background.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the pages on which up to three items (article, column, and/or editorial) were published. You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online.

S510: Hot Topic – The Jubilee Year NEW

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

An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the pages on which up to three items (article, column, and/or editorial) were published. You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online.

S513: Best Regular Column UPDATED

This category is open to newspapers or magazines. 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 PDF or URL containing the pages on which three to five columns were published. Please select the subcategory that best fits your column.

• S513a: Spiritual Life
• S513b: Political Issues
• S513c: Pro Life Issues
• S513d: Racial Inequities

S521: 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. Entries must include one to three items. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

• S521a: Papal Trips
• S521b: Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate
• S521c: Political Issues
• S521d: Social Justice Issues

S531: Best Editorial

An article giving the viewpoint of the publication, editor, or staff on a subject on which different opinions can be held. The editorial may be signed or unsigned but must be written by a member of the publication’s staff. Judges will focus on the persuasive quality of the editorial, rather than simple commentary.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the page(s) on which the editorial is published.

S532: Best Editorial Page

Judging will focus on the content of page(s) as well as their layout, variety, and overall effect.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the editorial page or section from three consecutive or non-consecutive issues.

S534: Best Essay Reflecting on Faith Formation

An article giving the viewpoint of the publication, editor, staff or contributor on the value of continuing religious formation and education for both adults and children.

Judges will consider one piece (such as articles, editorials, columns) on faith formation. Judging will focus on the quality of the writing and the value of the essay as an educational and/or formative tool. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the page(s) on which the item was published.

S537: Best Feature Writing

These entries are stories, in magazines or newspapers, covering a group, trend, or event of general interest, not “hard” or breaking news. 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.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the page(s) on which the article was published.

S541: Best In-Depth Analysis

Analysis writing focuses on how well the paper informs about 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.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the page(s) on which the article or series was published.

S545: 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.

S565: Best News Writing – Local/Regional Event

Entries are from straight news writing on a subject or topic originating primarily in the geographical area where the newspaper is published. Can be a single story or series (maximum of 3 clips, please) in one issue or several, and may include sidebars. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts, or illustrations.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the page(s) on which the article was published.

S567: Best News Writing – National/International Event

Entries are from straight news writing on a subject or event of national or 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. Can be a single story or series (maximum of 3 clips, please), in one or several issues, and may include sidebars. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts, or illustrations.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the page(s) on which the article was published.

S571: 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. Judging will focus on quality of writing and ability to convey through words a sense of the whole person.

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the page(s) on which the article was published.

S572: 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 the writer's ability to present through words 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.

S573: Best Reporting

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

• S573a: On Cultural Heritage — 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.
• S573b: On Family — Outstanding reporting on news that impacts family life, with an emphasis on Church teaching on the sanctity of marriage. An entry may be a single story or a series.
• S573c: On Immigration — Honors coverage of immigration issues on a local or national level. Judges will consider the writer’s creativity and ability to tell a compelling story. An entry may be a single story or a series.
• S573d: On Latin America — A one-shot section, feature, news article or series about a Latin American area and its impact on a Spanish-speaking U.S. community.
• S573f: On Sports — A one-shot section, feature, series, or personality profile of an athlete or sports team.

S575: Best Reporting on a Special Age Group

Coverage should be of what members of a certain age group are doing, not simply of events. An entry may be a single article, a series (maximum five clips, please), pictures, or a special section.

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the page(s) on which the article or series was published.

S576: 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.

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF or URL file containing page(s) on which the article was published.

S577: Best Reporting on the Celebration of a Sacrament

This category is for one to three articles, columns, editorials, or special sections 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.

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF or URL file containing the pages on which one to three items were published.

S579: Best Reporting on 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 linked here).

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.

• S579a: Call to Family, Community, and Participation
• S579b: Care for God’s Creation
• S579c: Dignity and Rights of Workers
• S579d: Life and Dignity of the Human Person
• S579e: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
• S579f: Rights and Responsibilities
• S579g: Solidarity

S581: 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 containing the pages on which one to three items (article, column, and/or editorial) were published. You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online.

S584: Best Reporting on Priesthood, Religious Life, or the Diaconate

This category is for a one-shot section, feature, series, or personality profile of a religious man or woman, deacon, priest, bishop, or cardinal. 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 containing the pages on which one to three items (article, column, and/or editorial) were published. You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online.

S591: Best Single Special Issue

Entries can be made for either 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. Special Sections can be entered here.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the page(s) on which the single issue was published.

S592: Best Digital Single Special Issue

Entries can be made for either 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. Special Sections can be entered here.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL file of the page(s) on which the single issue was published. Each entrant must also submit a PDF copy of one page or image for possible use during the Catholic Media Awards Banquet.

S598a: Best Writing – Analysis

Analysis writing focuses on how well the publication informs or interprets an event or situation that is controversial, confusing or misunderstood. This category recognizes reporting, through one’s own initiative and work, which will be judged on news value, evidence of investigative work and quality of reporting and writing. The entire story must have been published in one issue.

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the pages on which the article was published.

S598b: Best Writing – In-Depth

In-depth writing focuses on the initiative of the publication to present facts of an event or situation of importance that may otherwise be unknown to the reader. This category recognizes reporting, through one’s own initiative and work, which will be judged on news value, evidence of investigative work and quality of reporting and writing. The entire story must have been published in one issue. Related graphics, sidebars, photos or videos published in the same article will be considered with the entry.

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the pages on which the article was published.