2025 Catholic Media Awards

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General Excellence

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 of any three consecutive issues published during 2024. Only one entry per publication is permitted. Each entrant must submit a PDF copy of one page for possible use during the Catholic Media Awards Banquet.


Design Advertisement

S323: Hot Topic – The 2024 Election (NEW)

Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible. This category is for content related to the 2024 Presidential or local elections. Any topic that would appear on the 2024 ballot is eligible for entry.

An entry consists of one PDF 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.

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 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 of one page for possible use during the Catholic Media Awards Banquet.

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 file 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 file containing the page(s) on which the material was published.

S352: Hot Topic – The Eucharistic Revival

This category is for coverage of a hot topic, in this case, the National Eucharistic Revival taking place from 2022 to 2025 in the U.S. You can use the link here to learn more information about the movement. Submissions in this category can also feature content from the National Eucharistic Congress.

An entry consists of one PDF 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.


Design Publication

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 file 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 file of the cover only (not the entire issue).

S363: Best Use of Art or Graphics

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF file 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.

Judges will consider the quality of the art as well as its ability to help readers better understand the news article.

  • 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 info-graphic developed by the publication’s staff or commissioned from a freelance artist specifically for the publication to help explain a news or analysis story.


Digital

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 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.


Editorial

S513: Best Regular Column

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 file containing the pages on which three to five columns were published. Please select the subcategory that best fits your column.

  • S513f: Spiritual Life
  • S513g: Political Issues
  • S513h: Pro Life Issues
  • S513i: Racial Inequities

S521g: Best Coverage – Papal Trips

This category is for original content about Pope Francis’ trips originating with a publication.

An entry consists of one PDF 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.

Judges will consider the writer’s creativity and ability to tell a compelling story. Entries must include one to three items. Judges will also consider photographs, artwork, and videos that accompany the articles.

S521i: Best Coverage – Priesthood, Religious Life, or Diaconate (UPDATED)

This category is for coverage of a religious man or woman, deacon, priest, bishop, or cardinal.

An entry consists of one PDF 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.

Judges will consider the writer’s creativity and ability to tell a compelling story. Entries must include one to three items. Judges will also consider photographs, artwork, and videos that accompany the articles.

S521j: Best Coverage – Political Issues

This category is for in-depth coverage of political issues. If a publication does not have three articles to submit in this category, it may enter an item in another category (i.e., best editorial, interview, column, profile, etc.). Judges will consider the writer’s creativity and ability to tell a compelling story. They will also consider photographs, artwork or videos that accompany the articles.

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

S521k: Best Coverage – Social Justice Issues (NEW)

This category is for in-depth coverage of justice issues in concern of the church (prolife, environmental, religious liberty, racial justice, etc). This category is open to diocesan newspapers, national newspapers, or wire services. If a publication does not have three items to submit in this category, it may enter an item in another category (i.e., best editorial, interview, column, profile, etc.). Judges will consider the writer’s creativity and ability to tell a compelling story. They will also consider photographs, artwork, or videos that accompany the items.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the pages on which three to five items (article, column and/or editorial) concerning pro-life issues were published. You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online. This category is for print and digital publications.

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

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.

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 file 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 file 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 file 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 file 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 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 file 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 file 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 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 file 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 file containing page(s) on which the material was published. You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

  • S573a: 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.
  • S573b: On Family
    • This category recognizes 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
    • This category 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
    • This category is for a one-shot section, feature, news article or series about a Latin American area and its impact on a Spanish-speaking U.S. community.
  • S573e: On a Local Issue
    • Entries for this category will demonstrate excellent reporting on issues of local importance and their impact on members of the faith community. Topics may include a variety of issues, such as politics, education, and health care. An entry may be one article or a series of articles on a single issue.
  • S573f: On Sports
    • 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.

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 file 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 file containing page(s) on which the article was published. You may also submit a URL if your content is available online.

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 file containing the pages on which one to three items were published. Entries include articles, columns, editorials, or special sections. You may also submit a URL if your content is available online.

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 file containing the page(s) on which the material was published. You may also submit a URL if your content is available online. 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 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 Priesthood, Religious Life, or 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 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 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 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.

S592: Best Digital Single 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 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. Entire story must have been published in one issue.

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF file of the pages on which the article was published. You may also submit a URL if your content is available online.

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. 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 file of the pages on which the article was published. You may also submit a URL if your content is available online.


Photography

S811a: Best Multiple Picture Package – Feature

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. A multiple picture package is two or more photographs covering the same event or topic. A picture package is a group of related photos that do not tell a complete story and are almost always accompanied by text.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the pages on which the multiple picture package was published.

S811b: Best Multiple Picture Package – News

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. A multiple picture package is two or more photographs covering the same event or topic. A picture package is a group of related photos that do not tell a complete story and are almost always accompanied by text.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the pages on which the multiple picture package was published.

S821a: Best Photo Story – Feature

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. A photo story is a cohesive group of select images that by themselves, with little added text, tell a feature 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 file containing the pages on which the photos were published.

S821b: Best Photo Story – News

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. A photo story is a cohesive group of select images that by themselves, with little added text, tell a news 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 file containing the pages on which the photos were published.

S831: Best Story and Photo Package – By an Individual

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.

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF file containing the pages on which the story and photo package were published.

S832: Best Story and Photo Package – By Two Individuals or More

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.

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF file containing the pages on which the story and photo package were published.

S840: Best Photograph – Feature Photo

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

S841: Best Photograph – Spot News

Photo 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 containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

S842: Best Photograph – General News Photo

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

S843: Best Photograph – Photo-Illustration

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. 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 in the caption the reality of the photo and that it was not from an actual event.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

S847: Best Photograph – Sacramental

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

S848: Best Photograph – Priesthood, Religious Life, or Diaconate

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. May include Holy Days and Liturgical seasons. Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

S851: Best Photograph – Catholic Education

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

S852: Best Photograph – Immigration/Migration

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

S853: Best Photograph – National/International Event

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. Photos may be black and white or in color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

S854: Best Photograph – Hot Topic Eucharistic Revival (NEW)

Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

S855: Best Photograph – Hot Topic 2024 Election (NEW)

Photos may be black and white or color. Digitally manipulated images are not eligible. This category is for content related to the 2024 Presidential or local elections. Any topic that would appear on the 2024 ballot is eligible for entry.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the page on which the photo was published and a second page containing an image of the photo by itself.

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