2025 Catholic Media Awards

Magazine Division

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Best Publication Pages
Editorial
Photography

GM111: Magazine of the Year

In this category, 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 2024. Only one entry per publication is permitted. Each entrant must submit a PDF copy for the judges or URL if applicable AND a JPEG 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
GM111f: Professional and Special-Interest Magazines, including Clergy, Religious, Prayer, and Spiritual Magazine

M321: Best Annual Report (NEW)

Entry may be an all-print report or a print/PowerPoint combination. The report published in 2024 demonstrates accomplishments in the previous year (calendar year or fiscal year), showing accountability for proper use of resources and services offered to the larger community. Fundraisers and/or special campaign efforts may be entered. Reports must have been published in the publication or online. Internal reports are not eligible.

An entry consists of a single digital file for an all-print report or two digital files for a print/PowerPoint report (one file for print portion and the other for the PowerPoint presentation). You may submit URLs if your content is available online. Entrants may choose the subcategory that most closely fits their magazine.

M322: Best Promotional Advertisement (NEW)

Best use of headlines and text in attracting the reader’s attention and inviting action.

This category is for advertisements produced by the publication to increase advertising, circulation, readership, image and/or the prestige of the publication. Entries can be a single ad or a continuing campaign. Judging will focus on originality and overall quality of presentation. Entrants are not required to demonstrate results of the campaign.

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

M331: Best Media Kit 2024

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 2024.

An entry consists of one PDF submitted with your application. Please submit a PDF copy of one page for possible use during the Catholic Media Awards Banquet.

M347: Best Advertising Campaign (NEW)

Entries for this category illustrate the best use of effective advertising including but not limited to copy, images or graphics, layout, etc.

An entry consists of one PDF submitted with your submission form. Please submit a PDF copy of one page for possible use during the Catholic Press Awards Banquet.

M351: Best Layout of an Article or Column

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. Print Newsletters may be entered in M351e.

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. Please select the category that best describes your work.

GM351a: National General Interest Magazines
GM351b: Diocesan Magazines
GM351c: Mission Magazines (Overseas and Home)
GM351d: Religious Order Magazines and Print Newsletters
GM351f: 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.

M352: Hot Topic – 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. Usethis link to learn more. This includes any local, regional or national coverage of the revival, including but not restricted to, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimages and the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis.

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. This category is for print and digital publications.

M355: Hot Topic - The 2024 Election (NEW)

This category is for coverage of a hot topic, in this case, the 2024 election. Any topic that would appear on the 2024 ballot is eligible for entry.

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 their magazine. Submissions for this category can be black and white or in color.

An entry consists of one PDF file 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 file containing one article layout.

Best Publication Pages

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 file 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

Select the subcategory that best fits your work. 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 PDF file containing the pages on which three to five columns were published.

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

M521e: Best Coverage – Disaster or Crisis

This category is for in-depth coverage of escalating disasters or crises in our communities. If a publication does not have three to five 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 to five items (article, column, and/or editorial) were published. You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online.

M521f: Best Coverage – Political Issues

This category is for in-depth coverage of 2023 political issues. If a publication does not have three to five 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.

M521i: Best Coverage of 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 social justice 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.

Editorial

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 file 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 file 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)

Feature articles tell stories covering a group, trend or event of general interest. 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. Print Newsletters may be submitted into M537d.

An entry consists of one PDF 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 file containing the page(s) on which the title, lead-in and a complete story were 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 file containing the page(s) on which the interview was published.

M551: Best Explanation of Marriage

This category awards reporting on the Catholic Church’s teaching on the Sacrament of Marriage via articles, 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 file containing the pages on which one to three items (article, column, and or editorial) concerning the Church’s position on marriage were published. 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 file containing the page(s) on which the personality profile was published.

M571a: Government Leader
M571b: Laity
M571c: Religious Leader

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 file 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 file containing the page(s) on which the article or series was published.

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

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

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 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.

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.

M587: Best Book Review Section

An entry is a section combining multiple reviews of books.

An entry consists of one PDF file 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 file 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 file containing the pages on which one to three items (article, column, and or editorial) were published. Each entrant must submit a PDF copy of one page for possible use during the Catholic Press Awards Banquet.

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 of the supplement or issue uploaded to the submission form. Each entrant must submit a PDF copy of one page for possible use during the Catholic Press Awards Banquet through the awards website.

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 besubmitted in M591.

An entry consists ofone PDF of the supplement or issue uploaded to the submission form. Each entrant must submit a PDF copy of one page for possible use during the Catholic Media Awards Banquet through the awards website.

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. Entire story must have been published in one issue. 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.

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

Photography

M811: Best Multiple Picture Package

This category is for Best Feature 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 file 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 file 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.

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

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