2026 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.

S404: Best Online Content Not Published in Print 

This category is for 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 pieces of content covering the same event or topic. The photos/videos 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. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work: 

• S404a: Print 

• S404b: Feature or News

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 UPDATE                                                                                        

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: Art, Leisure, Culture and Food
• S513b: Bishop’s Column in a Diocesan Magazine/Newspaper  
• S513c: Family Life 
• S513d: General Commentary 
• S513e: Religious Life 
• S513f: Spiritual Life 
• S513g: Political Issues
• S513h: Scripture/Theology

S521: Best Coverage UPDATE

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.  Judges will also consider photographs, artwork, and videos that accompany the articles. 

An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the pages on which three items (article, column, and/or editorial) were published. Judges will consider the writer’s creativity and ability to tell a compelling story. Entries must include one to three items.

• S521a: Immigration
• S521b: Political Issues 
• S521c:  Papal Trips
• S521d: Religious-liberty issues
• S521e: Disasters or crises 
• S521f: Pro-life 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.

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.

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 UPDATE                                                            

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.

• S575a: On a Special Age Group 
• S575b: Catholic Education 
• S575c: Celebration of a Sacrament 
• S575d: Sports Reporting 
• S575e: Priesthood, Religious Life, or the Diaconate 

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

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.

S598: Best Writing 

• S598a: 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: 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.

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 or URL  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 or URL 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 or URL 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 or URL  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 or URL 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 or URL 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 or URL 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                 

A 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 or URL 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 or URL 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 or URL 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 or URL 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 or URL 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 or URL 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 or URL 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: Pope Francis Updated                                                                  

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. 

S855: Best Photograph – Hot Topic: The Papal Conclave and the Election of Pope Leo XIV UPDATED   

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. 

S856: Best Photograph – Hot Topic: The Jubilee Year NEW

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

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