2025 Catholic Media Awards

Magazine Division

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General Excellence
Advertising
Design
Editorial
Photography

General Excellence

GM111: Magazine of the Year UPDATED

Judges 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 design.

An entry consists of three to five consecutive issues published during 2025. Only one entry per publication is permitted. Each entrant must submit a PDF copy for the judges or URL if applicable and a JPG image of one page, cover, or montage for possible use during the Catholic Media Awards Banquet through the awards website.

Please choose the subcategory that most closely fits their magazine.

GM111a: National General Interest Magazines
GM111b: Diocesan Magazines
GM111c: Mission Magazines (Overseas and Home)
GM111d: Religious Order Magazines and Print Newsletters
GM111e: Professional and Special-Interest Magazines, including Clergy, Religious, Prayer and Spiritual Magazine

Advertising

M322: Best Advertising Campaign UPDATE

Entries for this category illustrate the best use of effective advertising produced by the publication to increase advertising, circulation, readership, image and/or the prestige of the publication and/or engagement with its online presence, such as social media platforms and websites. Judging will focus on originality and overall quality of presentation. Entrants are not required to demonstrate results of the campaign.

An entry includes 3 to 5 samples, including but not limited to copy, images or graphics, etc. An entry consists of one PDF or URL submitted including the submission form.

M325: Best Print Circulation Promotion Campaign NEW

This category is for campaigns that contain more than one element and occur over a period of time. The campaign must originate with the publication and be conducted during 2025. An entry may include mailers, videos, promotion pieces, and any other materials used as part of the campaign to increase circulation.

Please upload a PDF copy or URL of the entire promotion or campaign.

M331: Best Media Kit 2025

Media kits will be judged on the basis of a clear, uncluttered presentation of information, including, but not limited to, pertinent information of editorial profile, advertiser testimonials, reader profile, and the professional use of graphics. Entry should be new or substantially revised during 2025.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL submitted with your application.

M335: Best Single Ad Originating with the Publication NEW

This category is for the best online ad (static or dynamic) designed by the publication. This does not include house ads or paid advertisers. Judges will review content, graphics, call to action, site placement and overall effectiveness to develop reader response.

Entry consists of a PDF or URL the placement of the ad on the webpage included with your submission form.

M335a: Print
M335b: Digital

M343: Best Advertisement Campaign Originating with the Publication for an Advertiser NEW

An entry includes 3 to 5 samples, including but not limited to copy, images or graphics, etc. An entry consists of one PDF or URL submitted with your submission form.

M345: Most Effective Use of Small Space NEW

This category is for a print ad or ads designed by the newspaper that demonstrates a creative use of small space.

An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page on which the advertisement was published included in your submission form.

M347: Best Special Supplement or Issue with Advertising Emphasis NEW

Criteria for this award stress originality of layout and the extent to which advertising content relates to the editorial content.

Each entrant must submit a PDF copy or URL of the supplement included with your submission form.

M348: Best House Ad

Criteria for this award stress originality of layout and design to engage readers to the client’s product and/or mission as it appears on the website only and/or only on social media platforms.

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

M348a: Print
M348b: Digital

M349: Best Ad Designed by a Publication for a Client

Criteria for this award stress originality of layout and design.

Each entrant must submit a PDF copy or URL of the work.

M349a: Print
M349b: Digital

Design

M351: Best Layout of an Article or Column UPDATED

This category recognizes the best use of graphics, text and/or photography in a single article or column. Entrants may choose the subcategory that most closely fits their magazine.

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 category that best describes your work.

M351a: National General Interest Magazines
M351b: Diocesan Magazines
M351c: Mission Magazines (Overseas and Home)
M351d: Religious Order Magazines and Print Newsletters
M351e: Professional and Special-Interest Magazines, including Clergy, Religious, Prayer and Spiritual Magazine

Print newsletters can be uploaded to the submission form. Please upload one PDF file with your submission form.

M361: Best Cover UPDATED

Judges will consider graphic elements, typeface, and the extent to which the layout is creative and compelling. Please choose the subcategory that most closely fits your magazine. Submissions for this category can be black and white or in color.

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

M361a: Best Cover – Small (up to 6 x 9 ½”)
M361b: Best Cover – Large (over 6 x 9 ½”)

M371: Best Use of Typography

This category recognizes the best use of typography in a layout. Judges will focus on how the typographical treatment adds meaning to the writing and illustration, photography, or graphics on the page, catches and encourages the reader's eye.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing one article layout included in the submission form.

Editorial

M508: 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 containing the pages on which up to three items (article, column, and/or editorial) were published. This category is for print and digital publications.

M509: Best Coverage – Hot Topic: The Papal Conclave and the Election of Pope Leo XIV UPDATED

This category includes coverage of the papal interregnum, the papabili, the conclave, Pope Leo XIV's background and the early days of his papacy.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the pages on which up to three items (article, column, and/or editorial) were published. This category is for print and digital publications.

M510: Best Coverage – Hot Topic: The Jubilee Year NEW

This category is for coverage of the 2025 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. This category is for print and digital publications.

M511: Best Guest Column/Commentary

An entry consists of one column written by a guest contributor. Judges will focus on the overall effectiveness of the column submitted.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the page(s) on which one column is published. Entry must be the sole work on the staff of, or contributing as freelancers to, a CMA member publication.

M513: Best Regular Column UPDATED

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 category only. An entry consists of one URL or PDF file containing the pages on which three to five columns were published. Please select the subcategory that best suits your work.

M513a: Art, Leisure, Culture and Food
M513b: Bishop’s Column in a Diocesan Magazine
M513c: Family Life
M513d: General Commentary
M513e: Religious Life
M513f: Spiritual Life
M513g: Political Issues
M513h: Scripture/Theology

M521: Best Coverage UPDATED

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 concerning immigration. This category is for digital and print publications.

M521a: Immigration
M521e: Disaster or Crisis
M521f: Political Issues

M531: 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 containing the page(s) on which the editorial is published.

M533: Best Essay UPDATED

Judges will consider depth of reflection, persuasiveness and use of examples. Please choose the subcategory that most closely fits their magazine.

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

M533a: Diocesan Magazine
M533b: Mission Magazine (Overseas and Home)
M533c: National General Interest Magazine
M533d: Professional and Special Interest (Religious Orders, Scholarly, Prayer, and Spirituality Magazines)

M537: Best Feature Article UPDATED

These entries are stories covering a group, trend or event of general interest, not “hard” or breaking news. A story should exhibit thorough reporting, but should be distinguished by the quality of its writing, its accessibility, and its human-interest value. Articles on or profiles of one person will not be judged in this category and should be entered in category M545 or M571a, b, or c. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts or illustrations. Entrants may choose the subcategory that most closely fits their magazine.

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

M537a: Diocesan Magazine
M537b: Mission Magazine (Overseas and Home)
M537c: National General Interest Magazine
M537d: Professional and Special Interest (Religious Orders, Scholarly, Prayer, and Spirituality Magazines)

M541: Best Title and Lead-In

Writing a title is both a skill and an art. A good title and lead-in tells the story, provoking the reader to stop and read it. Each word is important; there is no padding. Verbs are snappy, the full title clear and precise.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the page(s) on which the title, lead-in and a complete story was published. You may also post a URL if the content is available online. Blog titles are not eligible for this category.

M545: 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.

M551: Best Analysis Writing on the Sacraments UPDATE

This category awards analysis, columns, special sections, or editorials. If a publication does not have one to three items to submit in this category, you 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 or URL file containing the pages on which one to three items (article, column, and or editorial). You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online.

M571: Personality Profiles

A personality profile conveys the uniqueness of a living or deceased person. Profiles usually include comments by others about this person. Please select the subcategory that best describes the subject.

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

M571a: Government Leader
M571b: Laity
M571c: Religious Leader

M572: Obituaries NEW

This category is for obituaries. Please submit obituaries on Pope Francis into M508.

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

M574: Best Original Poetry

Entries may be a single poem or group of poems under one heading by the same author.

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

M575: 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.

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

M575a: Senior Citizens
M575b: Young Adults
M575c: Children and Teens Younger than 18

M576: 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, as well as photographs, artwork, or videos that accompany the article.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing page(s) on which the article was published. You may also submit a URL if your content is available online.

M577: Best Reporting on the Celebration of a Sacrament

This category is for one article or column 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, as well as photographs, artwork, or video that accompany the writing.

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

M579: Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues

This category is for one article or column about one of the seven themes of Catholic social teaching (based on the USCCB article linked here). Entrants may fit their articles or columns in a subcategory that most closely fits their work.

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

M579a: Call to Family, Community, and Participation
M579b: Care for God’s Creation
M579c: Dignity/Rights of Workers
M579d: Life and Dignity of the Human Person
M579e: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
M579f: Rights and Responsibilities
M579g: Solidarity

M581: 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.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the pages on which one to three items (article, column, and or editorial) were published.

M584: Best Reporting on Vocations to 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. You can also submit your personality profiles to category M571.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the pages on which one to three items (article, column, and or editorial) were published.

M587: Best Book Review Section

An entry is a section combining multiple reviews of books.

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

M588: Best Review

This category is for reviews of television shows, film, or other media, originating with the publication.

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

M591: Best Seasonal Issue or Section

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.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the pages on which one to three items (article, column, and or editorial) were published included in the submission form.

M596: Best Special Issue

Entries should represent an outstanding effort by the publication’s various departments to produce a special issue with a strong editorial theme and content. Seasonal issues should be submitted in M591.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the supplement or issue uploaded to the submission form.

M597: Best Special Section

Entries should represent an outstanding effort by the publication’s various departments to produce a special section with a strong editorial theme and content. Seasonal issues should be submitted in M591.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the supplement or issue uploaded to the submission form.

M598a: 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. An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the pages on which the article was published.

M598b: 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, 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.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the pages on which the article was published.

Photography

M811: Best Multiple Picture Package

A multiple picture package includes two or more photographs covering the same event or topic. It is different from a photo story in that the images do not make up a comprehensive story.

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

M811a: Feature
M811b: News

M821: Best Photo Story

A photo story is a cohesive group of select images that by themselves, with little added text, tell a 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. Entrants may choose the subcategory that most closely fits their magazine.

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

M821a: Feature
M821b: News

M831: Best Story and Photo Package

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. There is no limit on the number of stories that one organization is able to submit.

An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the pages on which the story and photo package were published.

M831a: By an individual
M831b: By two individuals or more