2025 Catholic Media Awards

Newspaper Division

Jump to Category

General Excellence
Design Advertising
Design and Publication
Editorial
Photography

General Excellence

GN111: Best Newspaper

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 graphic design. Contributions for this category can be from part time staff or freelancers.

An entry consists of three to five consecutive issues published during 2024. Only one entry per publication is permitted.

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 of each issue for the judges or URL if applicable.

Please use the Image upload section to upload a JPEG image of one page, cover, or montage for possible use during the Catholic Media Awards Banquet through the awards website.

GN111a: Best Newspaper – Weekly
GN111b: Best Newspaper – Non-Weekly
GN111c: Best Newspaper – National/ Wire Service

N321: Best Annual Report/Appeal

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.

N321a: Best Annual Report – (Arch) Diocesan Finances
N321b: Best Annual Report – Catholic Non-Profit Organization

N322: 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 2024. 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 of the entire promotion or campaign plus one cover photo/page for possible use during the Catholic Media Awards Banquet.

Design Advertising

N325: Best Promotional House Advertisement

This category is for ads 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.

N331: Best Media Kit 2024

Media kits will be judged based on 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.

Please upload one PDF copy of one page for possible use during the Catholic Media Awards Banquet.

N335: Best Single Advertisement Originating with the Publication (UPDATED)

This category is for best original ad prepared by the publication’s staff for an advertising client. Entries in this category can be black and white or in color. House ads may not be entered in this category but may be entered in category N325.

An entry consists of one PDF file of the page on which the advertisement was published.

N335c: Best Single Advertisement Originating with the Publication – Online Advertisement

This category is for the best online ad (static or dynamic) designed by the publication. Judges will review content, graphics, call to action, site placement and overall effectiveness to develop reader response.

Entry consists of a URL where this ad can be found or a PDF file showing the placement of the ad on the webpage.

N343: Best Advertisement Campaign Originating with the Publication for Advertiser

A campaign includes three related ads for a single advertiser operating in the publication's distribution area. Must be created and produced by the publication’s staff. Judging will consider quality of copy, graphics and overall presentation. House advertisements may not be entered in this category but may be entered in category N325.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing full pages on which three related ads were printed.

N345: Most Effective Use of Small Space

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

An entry consists of one PDF file of the page on which the advertisement was published.

N347: Best Special Supplement or Special Issue with Advertising Emphasis

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

Supplements entered in this category may not be entered in any N596 category. Please enter seasonal issues in N587.

Each entrant must submit a PDF copy of one page for possible use during the Catholic Press Awards Banquet.

N354: Hot Topic - Eucharistic Revival (UPDATED)

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 learn more at this link. This category includes coverage of the National Eucharistic Congress.

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 listed as N352 on your submission forms. We apologize for any confusion.

N355: Hot Topic - 2024 Election (NEW)

This category is for coverage of a hot topic, in this case, the 2024 election. Entries in this category can cover the presidential election and anything that would appear on a local ballot.

Design and Publication

N361: Best Front Page

Judging will be based on typography, headline weight, compelling use of graphics and the degree to which the layout draws the eye over the entire page. For tabloids that quarter-fold, the combination of a folded cover and the actual page one will be considered.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the front pages only from any three consecutive issues. Only one entry per publication is permitted. This category is for digital and print publications.

N361a: Best Front Page – Diocesan
N361b: Best Front Page – National Newspaper

N365: Best Use of Graphics

Judges will consider the quality of the art as well as its ability to help readers better understand the news article.

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the artwork or graphic and accompanying story was published.

N365a: Art or Graphics
- Graphics developed by the newspaper’s staff or commissioned from a freelance artist specifically for the newspaper to help explain a news or analysis story.
N365b: Best Chart or Information Graphic
- A chart, graph or other infographic developed by the newspaper’s staff or commissioned from a freelance artist specifically for the newspaper to help explain a story.
N365c: Best Use of Graphics – Best Original Illustration
- Artwork developed by the publication’s staff or commissioned from a freelance artist specifically for the newspaper to illustrate a story or theme.

N371: Best Layout of Article or Column

This category recognizes the best use of graphics, text and/or photography in a single article or column.

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.

N371a: Best Layout of Article or Column – Diocesan
N371b: Best Layout of Article or Column – National Newspaper

Editorial

N511: Best Regular Column by Bishop or Archbishop

Judges will consider three columns written by the same bishop or archbishop.

An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which three different columns were published.

N513: Best Regular Column

An entry consists of three 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. Judges will focus on the overall effectiveness of the columns submitted. This category is for digital and print publications. If entry is created by a Bishop or Archbishop, please enter category N511.

A column may be entered in one subcategory only. An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which three columns were published. You may also submit a URL if your content is available online. Entry must be the sole work on the staff of, or contributing as freelancers to, a CMA member publication.

N513a: Culture, the Arts, and Leisure
N513b: Family Life
N513c: General Commentary
M513d: Scripture
N513e: Spiritual Life

N521a: Best Coverage – Immigration

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 containing the pages on which three items (article, column, and/or editorial) were published concerning immigration. You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online. This category is for digital and print publications.

N521b: Best Coverage – Political Issues

This category awards in-depth coverage of 2023 political issues. If a publication does not have three items to submit in this category, it may enter that item in another category (for example, best editorial, news writing, column, 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 three items (article, column, and/or editorial) concerning local politics were published. You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online. This category is for digital and print publications.

N521c: Best Coverage – Papal Trips

This category is for original content about Pope Francis’ trips originating with the publication. 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 and videos that accompany the articles.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the pages on which three items (article, column, and/or editorial) on the papal trips were published. You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online.

N521d: Best Coverage – Religious Liberty Issues

This category awards in-depth coverage of religious-liberty issues via articles, columns, special sections, or editorials. If a publication does not have three items to submit in this category, it may enter that 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 three items (article, column, and/or editorial) concerning religious liberty were published. You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online.

N521e: Best Coverage – Disaster or Crisis

This category is for in-depth coverage of disasters or crises in our communities. If a publication does not have three 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 items (article, column, and/or editorial) concerning a disaster or crisis were published. You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online. Entry must be the sole work on the staff of, or contributing as freelancers to, a CMA member publication.

N521g: Best Coverage of Pro-Life Issues

This category is for in-depth coverage of pro-life issues. 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 items (article, column and/or editorial) concerning pro-life issues were published. You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online. This category is for digital and print publications.

N521h: Best Coverage – Racial Inequities

This category is for in-depth coverage of Racial Inequities. If a publication does not have three 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.

Examples include: peaceful protests, racial injustice, racial inequality, corruption or cultural exclusion and racial relations.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the pages on which three items (article, column, and/or editorial) concerning racial inequities were published. You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online. This category is for digital and print publications.

N521i: Best Coverage of Ecumenical and Interfaith Issues

This category is for original content about ecumenical and/or interfaith issues (mix and match as needed). 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. Work from freelance or part-time staff is allowed.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the pages on which three items (article, column and/or editorial) concerning ecumenical and interfaith issues were published. You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online.

N521j: Best Coverage of Catholic Education

This category is for original content about any aspect of Catholic education. 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 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 the pages on which three items (article, column and/or editorial) Catholic Education was published. You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online.

N531: Best Editorial on a Local Issue

An editorial is an article giving the viewpoint of the publication, editor, or staff on a subject about which different opinions can be held. The editorial may be signed or unsigned but must be written by a member of the newspaper’s staff on an issue originating primarily in the geographical area where the newspaper is published. Emphasis will be on the persuasive quality of the editorial, rather than simple commentary. Work from freelance or part-time staff is allowed.

An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the editorial was published. You may also submit a URL if your content is available online. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N531a: Best Editorial on a Local Issue – Weekly
N531b: Best Editorial on a Local Issue – Non-Weekly

N532: Best Editorial on a National or International Issue

An editorial is an article giving the viewpoint of the publication, editor, or staff on a subject about which different opinions can be held. The editorial may be signed or unsigned but must be written by a member of the newspaper’s staff on an issue originating outside the geographical area where the newspaper is published. Emphasis will be on the persuasive quality of the editorial, rather than simple commentary Work from freelance or part-time staff is allowed.

N532a: Best Editorial on a National or International Issue – Weekly
N532b: Best Editorial on a National or International Issue – Non-Weekly
N532c: Best Editorial on a National or International Issue – National newspaper or Wire Service

N537: Best Feature Writing

These entries are stories 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. Work from freelance or part-time staff is allowed.

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the article was published. You may also submit a URL if your content is available online. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N537a: Best Feature Writing – Weekly
N537b: Best Feature Writing – Non-Weekly
N537c: Best Feature Writing – National Newspaper or Wire Service

N541: Best Headline

Headline writing is both a skill and an art. A good headline sells the story, provoking the reader to stop and read it. Each word is important; there is no padding. Verbs are snappy, the full headline clear and precise.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the page(s) on which the headline and complete story were published. You may also post a URL if the content is available online. Blog titles are not eligible for this category.

N561: Best In-Depth News/Special Reporting

In-depth news and special reporting focus on the initiative of the newspaper to present facts of an event or situation of importance that may be otherwise unknown to the reader. The category recognizes reporting, through one’s own initiative and work, which will be judged on news value, evidence of research, and quality of reporting, writing and local focus. Entire story must have been published in one issue. Related stories, graphics, sidebars photos or videos published in the same article will be considered with the entry. Work from freelance or part-time staff is allowed.

An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the article was published. You may also submit a URL if your content is available online. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N561a: Best In-Depth News/Special Reporting – Weekly
N561b: Best In-Depth News/Special Reporting – Non-Weekly
N561c: Best In-Depth News/Special Reporting – National Newspaper or Wire Service

N563: Best Investigative News Writing

Investigative writing focuses on the initiative of the newspaper to uncover the facts of an event or situation that are otherwise unknown. Can be a series (maximum of 3 clips, please) or a single article, and may include sidebars. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts or illustrations. Work from freelance or part-time staff is allowed.

An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the article or series was published. You may also submit a URL if your content is available online. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N563a: Best Investigative News Writing – Weekly
N563b: Best Investigative News Writing – Non-Weekly
N563c: Best Investigative News Writing – National newspaper or Wire Service

N564: Best Analysis/Background/Round-Up News Writing: The Gerard E. Sherry Award

Analysis writing focuses on how well the paper informs or interprets an event or situation that is controversial, confusing or misunderstood. Can be a series (maximum of 3 clips, please) or a single article, and may include sidebars. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts or illustrations. Work from freelance or part-time staff is allowed.

An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the article or series was published. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N564a: Best Analysis/Background/Round-Up News Writing – The Gerard E. Sherry Award - Weekly
N564b: Best Analysis/Background/Round-Up News Writing – The Gerard E. Sherry Award - Non-Weekly
N564c: Best Analysis/Background/Round-Up News Writing – The Gerard E. Sherry Award - National Newspaper or Wire Service

N565: Best News Writing on a Local Event

Entries are from news writing on a subject or topic originating primarily in the geographical area where the newspaper is published. N565a can include sidebars. If you are entering N565b, entry may include sidebars but must include three to five articles. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts or illustrations.

An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the articles were published. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N565a: Best News Writing on a Local or Regional Event – Weekly
N565b: Best News Writing on a Local or Regional Event – Non-Weekly
N565c: Best News Writing on a Local or Regional Event – National newspaper or Wire Service

N566: Best News Writing on Regional Event

Entries are from news writing on a subject or topic originating primarily in the geographical area where the newspaper is published. N566a can include sidebars. If you are entering N566b, entry may include sidebars but must include three to five articles. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts or illustrations.

An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the articles were published. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N566a: Best News Writing on a Local or Regional Event – Weekly
N566b: Best News Writing on a Local or Regional Event – Non-Weekly

N567: Best News Writing on a National Event

Entries are from straight news writing on a subject or event of national impact originating outside the geographical area where the newspaper is published. The entry may include coverage of local aspects of the subject or event. One-shot subcategories are for single stories only. Series subcategories must include 3 to 5 clips, in one or several issues, and may include sidebars. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts, or illustrations.

An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the article or series was published. If you are entering work from a digital publication, please use the submission form URL options to upload the work.

Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N567a: Best News Writing on a National Event - One Shot
N567b: Best News Writing on a National Event - Series

N568: Best News Writing on an International Event

Entries are from straight news writing on a subject or event of 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. One-shot subcategories are for single stories only. Series subcategories must include 3 to 5 clips, in one or several issues, and may include sidebars. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts, or illustrations.

N568a: Best News Writing on an International Event - One Shot
N568b: Best News Writing on an International Event - Series

N571: 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. Judges will consider the quality of writing and ability to convey through words a sense of the whole person. Work from freelance or part-time staff is allowed.

An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the article was published. If you are entering work from a digital publication, please use the submission form URL options to upload the work. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N571a: Best Personality Profile – Weekly
N571b: Best Personality Profile – Non-Weekly
N571c: Best Personality Profile – National newspaper or Wire Service

N575: Best Reporting on a Special Age Group

Coverage should be of what members of the age group are doing, not simply of events. It may be a single article, a series (maximum three clips, please), pictures, or even a special section.

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the article or series was published. If you are entering a series, there is a minimum of three and maximum of five articles required. If you are entering work from a digital publication, please use the submission form URL options to upload the work. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N575a: Senior Citizens
N575b: Young Adults (18-40)
N575c: Children and Teens Younger than 18

N579: Best Reporting on the Celebration of a Sacrament

This category is an article about 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.

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.

N581: Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues

This category is for an article or column about one of the seven themes of Catholic social teaching (based on the USCCB article linked here).

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the page(s) on which the material was published. You may also submit a URL if your content is available online. Entry must be the sole work on the staff of, or contributing as freelancers to, a CMA member publication. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N581a: Call to Family, Community, and Participation
N581b: Care for God’s Creation
N581c: Dignity and Rights of Workers
N581d: Life and Dignity of the Human Person
N581e: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
N581f: Rights and Responsibilities
N581g: Solidarity

N584: Best Reporting on Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate (UPDATED)

This award is for a one-shot section or series. One-shot entry may include sidebars. A series must be three to five clips. Personality profiles of a religious man or woman, deacon, priest, bishop, or cardinal are accepted. Judges will consider the writer’s creativity and ability to tell a compelling story. For special sections, please enter N596.

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF file containing page(s) on which the material was published. You may also submit a URL if your content is available online. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N584a: One-Shot
N584b: Series

N587: Best Seasonal Issue – Print Only

Entries can be made for any 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.

Please upload one PDF of the work to the submission form. Each entrant must submit a PDF copy of one page for possible use during the Catholic Media Awards Banquet.

N588: Best Seasonal Issue – Digital Only

Entry consists of two PDF files of the page(s) containing the published issue. Each entrant must submit a PDF copy of one page for possible use during the Catholic Media Awards Banquet.

N591: Best Sports Journalism

Feature article focusing on sports or athletes. Photos should be submitted in category N846 and will not be considered here.

Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) containing the published article.

N591a: Sports Feature or Column
N591b: Sports News

N596: Best Print Special Supplement

Judges will consider front page design, interior page layouts, and the extent to which editorial content creatively and thoroughly addresses the theme(s) of the supplement. May or may not include advertising content. Please enter print seasonal issues into N587a.

Please upload one PDF of the work to the submission form. Each entrant must submit a PDF copy of one page for possible use during the Catholic Media Awards Banquet. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N596a: On a Bishop's Transition
- This supplement focuses exclusively on a bishop's transition, including new local ordinary, new auxiliary, or bishop’s retirement.
N596b: One-Time Special Issue
- A one-time special supplement is for an event that will not occur again or will not occur again for a long time (i.e., the election of Pope Francis or Pope Francis’ visit to the U.S.).
N596c: Regular Special Supplement
- A regular special supplement is planned by the newspaper (e.g., a "back to school" supplement that's run annually).

N597: Best Special Supplement (UPDATED)

An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) where the supplement is published. Each entrant must submit a PDF copy of one page for possible use during the Catholic Media Awards Banquet. Please choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

Photography

N811: Best Multiple Picture Package

A multiple picture package is two or more photographs covering the same event or topic that do not tell a complete story and are almost always accompanied by text.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the pages on which the photos were published.

N811a: Feature
N811b: News
N811c: Sports

N821: 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.

An entry consists of one PDF file containing the pages on which the photos were published. Please If you are entering work from a digital publication, please use the submission form URL options to upload the work. Choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N821a: Feature
N821b: Story

N831: 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. If you are entering work from a digital publication, please use the submission form URL options to upload the work. Choose the subcategory that best suits your work.

N831a: By an Individual
N831b: By Two Individuals or more