2025 Catholic Media Awards
All Member Division
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Individual Excellence
AI121: Communications Director of the Year
This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service as the best Communications Director professional representing a general publisher or diocese.
Entry will consist of a nomination letter as well as a URL of the publisher’s or diocesan website that the judges may view. The letter should be used to describe an entrant’s contributions, qualities, and professionalism in the ongoing communication efforts.
AI131a: Editor of the Year (English)
This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA publications or Publisher Members during 2024. Entrants must be on the staff of, or contribute as a freelancer to a CMA member publication. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness.
An entry consists of a letter that describes the entrant’s contributions, qualities, professionalism that made the nominee’s success notable. You may submit three to five samples of the individual’s efforts during 2024 on a PDF file or URLs if the samples are online. A letter must be included to describe an entrant’s contributions, qualities, and professionalism in the ongoing communication efforts.
AI131b: Editor of the Year (Spanish)
This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA publication(s) or Publisher Members during 2024. Entrants must be on the staff of, or contribute as a freelancer to, a CMA member publication. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness. To be eligible for this category, samples must have been published by a CMA publication and originally written in Spanish. Samples originally written in English and translated into Spanish are not eligible. Samples from an English language publication with a Spanish language section are eligible.
An entry consists of three to five samples of the individual’s efforts during 2023. These samples need not be related to each other. A letter may be submitted to explain circumstances that made the individual’s success more notable. The letter should be used to describe an entrant's contribution to the samples submitted. Writers who have editor responsibilities for publications should upload a PDF file containing three to five samples through the awards website. You may also submit a PDF file or a Word Document listing URLs if the samples are available online.
AI141: Graphic Artist/Designer of the Year
This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA publication(s) or Publisher Members during 2024. Entrants must be on the staff of, or a freelancer contributor to, a CMA member publication. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness.
An entry consists of three to five graphics/designs. These samples need not be related to each other. A letter may be submitted to explain circumstances that made the individual’s success more notable. The letter should be used to describe an entrant's contribution to the samples submitted. You may also submit a PDF file or a Word Document listing URLs if the graphics/designs are available online.
AI151: Multimedia Journalist of the Year
This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA media or Publisher Members during 2023. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness.
An entry consists of three to five articles, photos and videos. For this multimedia category, you must submit examples of the following three: text, photos, and videos. These samples need not be related to each other. A letter may be submitted to explain circumstances that made the individual’s success more notable. The letter should describe the entrant's contribution to the samples submitted. You may also submit a PDF file or a Word Document listing URLs if the items are available online.
Entries must have components of narrative text, photo(s), and video(s). The entrant must have created all three. In addition, entries may contain other forms of media, such as podcasts, graphics animation video, and movable graphics, but the entry must demonstrate excellencein writing, photography, and videography in order to compete in this category.
AI161: Photographer of the Year
This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA publication(s) or Publisher Members during 2024. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness.
An entry consists of eight to ten photos. These samples need not be related to each other. A letter may be submitted to explain circumstances that made the individual’s success more notable. The letter should describe the entrant's contribution to the samples submitted. You may also submit a PDF file or a Word Document listing URLs if the photos are available online.
AI171: Social Media Professional of the Year
This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service toCMA publication(s) or Publisher Members during 2024. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness.
An entry consists of a letter describing the entrant’s qualities and contributions to the organization as well as examples of social media campaigns, statistics reflecting growth, engagement or reach, or documentation of other social media-related contributions.
AI175a: Writer of the Year (English)
This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA publication(s) or Publisher Members during 2024. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness.
An entry consists of three to five writing samples. These samples need not be related to each other. A letter may be submitted to explain circumstances that made the individual’s success more notable. The letter should describe the entrant's contribution to the samples submitted. You may also submit a PDF file or a Word Document listing URLs if the samples are available online.
AI175b: Writer of the Year (Spanish)
This category recognizes a writer for exemplary service to CMA members during 2024. Entrants must be on the staff of, or a freelance contributor to, a CMA member publication. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness. To be eligible for this category, samples must have been published by a CMA publication and originally written in Spanish. Samples originally written in English and translated into Spanish are not eligible. Samples from an English-language publication with a Spanish-language section are eligible.
An entry consists of three to five writing samples. These samples need not be related to each other. A letter may be submitted to explain circumstances that made the individual’s success more notable. The letter should describe the entrant’s contribution to the samples submitted. You may also submit a PDF file or a Word Document listing URLs if the samples are available online.
AI181: Videographer/Video Producer of the Year – Diocesan and National News Organizations
This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA members during 2024. Entrants must be on the staff of, or a freelance contributor to, a CMA diocesan or national news organization. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness. Judges will verify that a person works for a diocesan or national news organization. If you work for a radio, television/film company, please enter AI182.
An entry consists of three to five videos. These samples need not be related to each other. A letter may be submitted to explain circumstances that made the individual’s success more notable. The letter should describe the entrant's contribution to the samples submitted. You may also submit a PDF file or a Word Document listing URLs if the videos are available online.
AI182: Videographer/Video Producer of the Year – Radio, Television Station or Film Companies
This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA members during 2024. Entrants must be on the staff of, or a freelance contributor to, a CMA radio, television station or film company. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness. Judges will verify that a person works for a radio, television or film company. If you work for a Diocese or national news organization, please enter AI181.
An entry consists of three to five videos. These samples need not be related to each other. A letter may be submitted to explain circumstances that made the individual’s success more notable. The letter should describe the entrant's contribution to the samples submitted. You may also submit a PDF file or a Word Document listing URLs if the videos are available online.
AI191: Podcaster of the Year
This category recognizes an individual for exemplary service to CMA publication(s) or Publisher Members during 2024. Entrants must be on the staff of, or a freelance contributor to, a CMA member publication. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness.
An entry consists of three to five podcasts. These samples need not be related to each other. A letter may be submitted to explain circumstances that made the individual’s success more notable. The letter should describe the entrant's contribution to the samples submitted. You may also submit a PDF file or a Word document listing URLs if the audios are available online.
Multimedia
AW331: Best Illustration with Graphic Design or Art
Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of the URL of thewebpage where judges may view the presentation or enter one PDF file of the page on which the illustration was published.
Entries are an illustration originating with the publication of an article, story, or poem.
AW332: Best Photo Gallery or Slideshow
Best use of photo galleries or slide shows that are freestanding and not used to enhance a publication’s online presentation of a written story or stories.
AW340: Best Video – Feature
This category is for a video that showcases a feature story. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose a subcategory that best fits your entry type. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.
- AW340a: Diocesan and National News Organizations
- AW340b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies
AW341: Best Video – News
This category is for a video that showcases a news story. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.
- AW341a: Diocesan and National News Organizations
- AW341b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies
AW342: Best Video – Pro–life Activities
This category is for a video that features pro-life activism or action. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose a subcategory that best fits your entry type. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement. Please choose the appropriate subcategory for the entry.
- AW342a: Diocesan and National News Organizations
- AW342b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies
AW343: Best Video – Religious Life
This category is for a video that displays religious life. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose the appropriate subcategory for the entry. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.
- AW343a: Diocesan and National News Organizations
- AW343b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies
AW344: Best Video – Social Justice Issues
This category is for a video about one of the seven themes of Catholic social teaching (based on the USCCB teachings).
Eligible topics:
- Call to Family, Community, and Participation
- Care for God's Creation
- Dignity and Rights of the Workers
- Life and Dignity of the Human Person
- Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
- Solidarity
An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose the appropriate subcategory for the entry. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.
- AW344a: Diocesan and National News Organizations
- AW344b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies
AW345: Best Video – Explainer
This category is for a video, animation, or movable graphics that explains a concept or topic in a simple, engaging, and compelling way. It is both informational and educational and can include demonstrations or providing facts about given topics. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose the appropriate subcategory for the entry. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.
- AW345a: Diocesan and National News Organizations
- AW345b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies
AW346: Best Video – The Clergy
This category is for a video that features the complexities or uniqueness of members of the clergy. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose a subcategory that best fits your entry type. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.
- AW346a: Diocesan and National News Organizations
- AW346b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies
AW347: Best Video – Ordination
This category is for a video that features the complexities or uniqueness of members of the clergy. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose a subcategory that best fits your entry type. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.
- AW347a: Diocesan and National News Organizations
- AW347b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies
AW349: Best Video – Catechesis
This category is for a video that conveys an aspect of faith. It’s both informational and educational. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose a subcategory that best fits your entry type. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.
- AW349a: Diocesan and National News Organizations
- AW349b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies
AW350: Best Video – 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 United States. You can use the link here to learn more information about the movement. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation. Please choose the subcategory that best fits your entry type. Judges will review entrants' credentials to confirm correct entry placement.
- AW350a: Diocesan and National News Organizations
- AW350b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies
AW355: Best Video – The 2024 Election (NEW) HOT TOPIC
This category is for coverage of the 2024 Presidential election along with coverage of any other political races on the 2024 ballot.
- AW355a: Diocesan and National News Organizations
- AW355b: Radio, Television Stations, and Film Companies
AW361a: Best Multimedia Package– Feature (UPDATED)
This category is for a webpage that showcases a feature story that contains at least one of each of the following: written articles, photos and videos. All elements must be related to the same subject.
An entry consists of one URL where judges can view all online elements.
AW361b: Best Multimedia Package – News (UPDATED)
This category is for a webpage that showcases a news story that contains at least one of each of the following: written articles, photos, and videos. All elements must be related to the same subject.
An entry consists of one URL where judges can view all online elements.
AW361e: Best Multimedia Package – Social Justice Issues (UPDATED)
This category is for a multimedia package about one of the seven themes of Catholic social teaching (based on the USCCB teaching).
Eligible topics:
- Call to Family, Community, and Participation
- Care for God's Creation
- Dignity and Rights of the Workers
- Life and Dignity of the Human Person
- Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
- Solidarity
The entry must contains at least one of each of the following: written articles, photos, and videos. All elements must be related to the same subject. An entry consists of one URL where judges can view all online elements.
AW362: Best Multimedia Package – Hot Topic: The Eucharistic Revival (NEW)
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 include content related to the National Eucharistic Congress.
An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view the presentation.
AW371: Best Multimedia Package Series
This category is for web pages that showcase a series of stories on a single topic. Each story should contain all of the following elements: written articles, photos, videos, and must contain at least three segments.
An entry consists of URLs where judges can view all online elements. Though a series may contain many parts, entrants are asked to submit three to five segments that will give judges the best overview of the complete series.
AW372: Best Multimedia Package – Hot Topic: The 2024 Election (NEW)
This category is for coverage of a hot topic, in this case, the 2024 Election. Submissions in this category can include any topics that are included in the 2024 Presidential election or anything on a local election ballot.
An entry consists of URLs where judges can view all online elements. Though a series may contain many parts, entrants are asked to submit three to five segments that will give judges the best overview of the complete series.
AW381a: Best Use of Video on Social Media – Diocesan Communications
This category is for prerecorded video specifically intended for use on social media platforms by diocesan or archdiocesan communications departments. 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 explaining more about the story, video production methods, and why the particular social media platform was chosen.
AW382b: Best Use of Video on Social Media – News Organization
This category is for prerecorded video specifically intended for use on social media platforms by news organizations. 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 explaining more about the story, video production methods, and why the particular social media platform was chosen.
AW383: Best Use of Video on Social Media – Liturgical Season
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 explaining more about the story, video production methods, and why the particular social media platform was chosen. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.
- AW383a: Diocesan and National News Organizations
- AW383b: Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
AW384: Best Use of Video on Social Media – Ongoing Series
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 explaining more about the story, video production methods, and why the particular social media platform was chosen. Please choose the appropriate subcategory for the entry.
- AW384a: Diocesan and National News Organizations
- AW384b: Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
AW385: Best Use of Video on Social Media – The Clergy
This category is for prerecorded video specifically intended for use on social media platforms by diocesan or archdiocesan communications departments. 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 explaining more about the story, video production methods, and why the particular social media platform was chosen.
- AW385a: Diocesan and National News Organizations
- AW385b: Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies
Social Media
AW511: Best Social Media Campaign
This category is for a prolonged social media campaign on a particular topic or theme that resulted in engagement, reach, and genuine movement on social media platforms.
An entry consists of a written description of the objectives and goals that led to the implementation of the campaign or initiative, and demonstration of the campaign's effectiveness with statistics on reach and engagement. Submissions must also include links to a variety of two to eight posts across social media, as well as any hashtags unique to the campaign. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.
- AW511a: Liturgical Seasons
- AW511b: The Eucharistic Revival
AW541: Best Use of Social Media for Breaking News
This category is for social media coverage of a major news event, using one or more social media platforms to engage viewers, and deepen their experience of the event.
An entry consists of two to eight posts across social media that communicate various aspects of a breaking news story as it unfolds. Submissions should include at least two links to the posts, and may include a letter explaining how coverage was executed and why particular media was chosen.
AW551: Best Use of Photos in Social Media
This category is for a photo or photos published on a social media platform, using imagery within social media to communicate a story or a message.
An entry consists of links to two to eight posts where the photo or photos were shared. Submissions may include a letter explaining more about the photo(s) and why the particular social media platform was chosen.
AW552: Best Use of Graphics in Social Media
This category is for a graphic or graphics published on a social media platform, using original graphic design within social media to communicate a story or a message.
An entry consists of links to two to eight posts where the graphic or graphics were shared. Submissions may include a letter explaining more about the graphic(s) and why the particular social media platform was chosen.
AW561a: Best Podcast – News (UPDATED)
This category is for a podcast that features news items topical in that particular news cycle.
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 should include a letter with a podcast description along with the one to three episode titles.
AW561b: Best Podcast – Social Justice Issues (UPDATED)
This category is for a podcast that features a topic (or topics) on social justice issues. 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 should include a letter with a podcast description along with the one to three episode titles.
Eligible topics:
- Call to Family, Community, and Participation
- Care for God's Creation
- Dignity and Rights of the Workers
- Life and Dignity of the Human Person
- Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
- Solidarity
AW561c: Best Podcast – Expression of Faith
This category is for a podcast that features a topic or topics on issues of faith. 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 should include a letter with a podcast description along with the one-to-three-episode titles.
AW571: Best Use of Live Video in Social Media
This category is for live video created within a social media platform, providing coverage of an event or story as it unfolds.
An entry consists of a link to the published live video on a social media platform, and may include a letter explaining more about the story, video production methods, and why the particular social media platform was chosen.
Website
AW711a: Best Blog or Personal E- Newsletter – Topical News (UPDATED)
This category is for blogs or personal e-newsletter (Substack, etc.) that feature news items topical in that particular news cycle. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. A blog may be entered into more than one subcategory except where otherwise instructed.
An entry consists of the blog’s permanent URL. Three to five blog entries may be entered for judges to consider.
AW711b: Best Blog – Social Justice Issues
This category is for blogs or personal e-newsletter (Substack, etc.) that feature a topic or topics on social justice issues. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. A blog may be entered into more than one subcategory except where indicated otherwise.
Eligible topics:
- Call to Family, Community, and Participation
- Care for God's Creation
- Dignity and Rights of the Workers
- Life and Dignity of the Human Person
- Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
- Solidarity
An entry consists of the blog’s permanent URL. Three to five blog entries may be entered for judges to consider.
AW711c: Best Blog – Expression of Faith
This category is for blogs or personal e-newsletter (Substack, etc.) that feature a topic or topics on issues of faith. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. A blog may be entered into more than one category except where otherwise instructed.
An entry consists of the blog’s permanent URL. Three to five blog entries may be entered for judges to consider.
AW731a: Best Online Content Not Published in Print – Photo
This category is for photo content posted on a publisher's website. Content that also appears in the print publication is not eligible.
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 PDF or Word Document and upload them into the entry field that allows file uploads.
AW731b: Best Online Content Not Published in Print – Articles (UPDATED)
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.
AW751a: Best Website – Diocesan
The website must be the site of CMA member publication. No e-magazines may be submitted. Newsletter websites may be entered in this category. Judging will be on overall quality of site content and graphics, as well as effectiveness in meeting site objectives as stated by the entrant.
An entry consists of the URL of the website and a written description of site objectives.
AW751b: Best Website – General Publisher
Website must be from a CMA General Publisher Member. E-books and digital publications (i.e., e-magazines) are not eligible. Judging will be on overall quality of site content and graphics, as well as effectiveness in meeting website objectives as stated by the entrant.
An entry consists of the URL of the website and a description of site objectives.
AW751c: Best Website – Magazine
The website must be the site of CMA member publication. No e-magazines may be submitted. Newsletter websites may be entered in this category. Judging will be on overall quality of site content and graphics, as well as effectiveness in meeting site objectives as stated by the entrant.
An entry consists of the URL of the website and a written description of site objectives.
AW751d: Best Website – Newspaper
The website must be the site of a CMA member publication. No e-newspaper publications may be submitted. Judging will be on overall quality of site content and graphics, as well as effectiveness in meeting site objectives as stated by the entrant.
An entry consists of the URL of the website and a written description of site objectives.
AW751e: Best Website – Spanish Publication
The website must be the site of a CMA member publication. No e-newspaper publications may be submitted. Judging will be on overall quality of site content and graphics, as well as effectiveness in meeting site objectives as stated by the entrant.
An entry consists of the URL of the website and a written description of site objectives.
AW771: Best Web and Print Package
This category recognizes the integration of print and online elements to present one main topic. Elements should include printed articles (text and photographs) and web information (text, photographs, graphic elements, slideshows, and/or videos). Judging will focus on the synergy of the combined package and how the elements work together to tell a story.
An entry consists of a URL for the online information submitted with your submission form.
AW772a: Best Diocesan Electronic Newsletter
This category recognizes the extent to which a publication is using a periodic diocesan electronic newsletter to drive traffic to its website. Judges will examine frequency, design and content of this increasingly popular communications vehicle.
An entry consists of one PDF file containing any three to five consecutive electronic newsletters.
AW772b: Best National Electronic Newsletter
This category recognizes the extent to which a publication is using a periodic national electronic newsletter to drive traffic to its website. Judges will examine frequency, design and content of this increasingly popular communications vehicle.
An entry consists of a URL for the online information submitted with your submission form.