2025 Catholic Media Awards
Communications Division
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C301: Best Diocesan Printed Fundraising Appeal – Produced by Communication Department Staff
This program highlights efforts to raise money for the diocese through the annual diocesan or bishop’s appeal. The Stewardship Appeal is an example of this promotion.
Entry consists of a PDF or URL where judges can view the quality of the material, the clarity of the message, and the quality/effectiveness of the “ask” for financial support.
C302: Best Diocesan Video Fundraising Appeal – Produced by Communications Department Staff
This program highlights efforts to raise money for the diocese through the annual diocesan or bishop’s appeal. The Stewardship Appeal is an example of this promotion.
An entry consists of a URL where judges can view the quality of the material, the clarity of the message and the quality/effectiveness of the “ask” for financial support.
C305: Best Diocesan Pastoral Message
This category is different from the annual appeal and designed for occasions when an ordinary wants to deliver a specific message to the public or to parishioners.
C305a: Best Diocesan Pastoral Message – Audio or Video
An entry consists of a URL where judges can view the single audio or video submission for its clarity of message and effectiveness to produce change or action as indicated by the purpose of the message.
C305b: Best Diocesan Pastoral Message – Letter
An entry consists of a URL where judges can review a PDF version of the letter.
C315: Best Initiative or Campaign – Package
This category is for campaigns, topics, and initiatives that are seasonal or temporary. Annual Diocesan Appeal should enter Category C301.
Entry consists of a URL or PDF where judges can view three consecutive examples of the series for quality of production, the ability to deliver the message and fulfill the purpose of the series. All formats are eligible including video, podcast, and graphic work.
C316: Hot Topic - The Eucharistic Revival (UPDATED)
This category showcases an external outreach regarding a hot topic, in this case, the National Eucharistic Revival taking place from 2022 to 2025 in the U.S. you can view more information about the revival at this website. This also includes the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in July 2024. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view their work.
C321: Best Press Release
This category recognizes the ability to deliver a concise statement and the perceived effectiveness of the release in addressing the issue at hand. Content is the major component of this category; production quality is viewed as enhancing or detracting from the intent of the message.
An entry consists of a URL or PDF where judges can view the statement made as a press release in print, audio, or video format.
C325: Best Interview
This category evaluates the overall effectiveness of a media interview of 30-minutes or less on a Church-related topic. Components evaluated include production quality, and the ability of the interviewer to solicit information that makes the interview relevant and impactful.
An entry consists of a URL where judges can view/listen to the interview in audio or video format.
- C325a: Audio
- C325b: Video
C331: Best Podcast
This category recognizes quality podcast programming produced by the Communications Department independent of the organization’s publication.
Entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may download and listen to podcast episodes. Submissions should include a letter with a podcast description along with the titles of the 1-3 episodes that the judges will consider.
C332: Best Podcast Series
This category recognizes a series of podcasts on a specific issue or topic produced by the Communications Department independent of the organization’s publication.
Entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may download and listen to 3 of the episodes in the series. Submissions should include a letter with a description of the reason for the podcast’s focus on that particular issue or topic, along with the three episode titles for judges to consider.
C341: Best External E-newsletter
Judged for design quality and content to determine if the newsletter is pleasant to the eye, appropriate for the intended reader, and delivers the message in a clear and inviting manner. Newsletter developed by the Communications Department, independent of the organization’s publication. Entry consists of 1-3 newsletters viewed through URL or attached PDF.
C351: Best Social Media Account (UPDATED)
This category is for a Diocesan Bishop’s overall social media account, maintained by the bishop himself or by a diocese or member organization. Judges will consider creativity, engagement, and use of videos or graphics. Entry consists of the URL where judges can view the account as well as an analytics overview.
C352: Best Use of Social Media
This category is for the overall use of diocesan Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, Tiktok, YouTube, and Threads, etc., by a Communications Department. Criteria may include quality of information as well as commitment to engaging followers. Entries consist of the URL where judges can view social media accounts.
C355: Hot Topic - 2024 Election (NEW)
This category showcases an external outreach regarding a hot topic, in this case, the 2024 election. This includes the Presidential election and all local issues that appear on the 2024 ballot. An entry consists of the URL of the webpage where judges may view their work
C361: Best New Website
The purpose of this category is to recognize updates in website development produced by and for the organization’s Communications Department. This category is separate from the All-Member Best Website category in that it specifically highlights launches or redesigns within the 2024 calendar year. Judging focuses on the overall quality of site content and graphics, as well as effectiveness in meeting site objectives as stated by the entrant.
Entry consists of the URL of the website and a written description of site objectives.