The Catholic Media Association bestowed its annual awards for excellence in communications and journalism at the close of its Catholic Media Conference in Baltimore on June 9. This year, the Diocese of Camden’s Communications Department and the Catholic Star Herald newspaper, and their digital platforms and freelance partners, earned 17 awards in a variety of categories, including two by our chief columnist, Bishop Dennis Sullivan.
COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
Best Use of Photos in Social Media
First Place
Diocese of Camden, Communications Department, David Hernandez and Maria Toci D’Antonio
Judge comments: Compelling images that bring the viewer to the event. Great use of night photography, perspective, and space.
Best Interview – Video
First Place
Joyful Disciples – The Gift of the Eucharist
Diocese of Camden, Communications Department, Donna Ottaviano-Britt, Dr. Lee DelleMonache, John Kalitz, Michael Walsh
Judge comments: Really polished interviewer. Compelling interview, at times inspiring. Also, a nice intro. Relevant information overall.
Best Website – Diocesan
Second Place
Diocese of Camden, Communications Department, Michael Walsh, Maria Toci D’Antonio, Adam Falchetta
Judge comments: The Diocese of Camden’s recently redesigned and relaunched their website by their in-house team. Overall, the site is clean and user friendly but what makes the platform stand out is the strong and consistent call to action. Every photo, video, and article encourage audience engagement. The images are well produced and complement the overall narrative of the site. Overall, the site is a visual invitation grow in faith.
Best Diocesan Pastoral Message – Letter
Third Place
Catechists A Credit To The Love Of Faith, Church
Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan, Bishop of Camden
Judge comments: The focus of this piece was unique to the other submissions which made it stand out. It dug surprisingly deep despite its brevity too.
Best Use of Live Video in Social Media
Honorable Mention
Diocese of Camden Annual Blue Mass – https://www.youtube.com/live/mbTHEsKJKDI
Diocese of Camden, Communications Department, John Kalitz, Michael Walsh, Maria Toci D’Antonio
CATHOLIC STAR HERALD
Best Special Supplement or Special Issue with Advertising Emphasis
First Place
Catholic Star Herald, Neal Cullen, Dave Hernandez, Tom O’Shea, Peter G. Sánchez, Paul Worthington and freelance partners
Judge comments: The idea and the execution of the Catholic Star Herald’s “Celebrating Our Catechists” issue is indeed a winner. Rather than relying on the usual special supplements, the emphasis of this issue is on the often unseen and unsung. The catechists throughout the diocese are brought to light with varied and enlightening stories on folks who often do the heavy lifting in our parishes. The advertising support is commendable.
Best Photograph – Sports Photo
First Place
Saint Augustine Prep’s Kaden Naame
Catholic Star Herald, Richard O’Donnell
Judge comments: This beautifully framed and timed photograph excels in capturing the athleticism of the figures, with attention being drawn to the arm musculature of the standing — and apparently victorious — athlete. The drama of the athlete’s posture evokes the drama of ancient Roman sculpture.
Second Place
New field, scoreboard for Paul VI
Catholic Star Herald, Mike Walsh
Judge comments: Among the submissions of athletes in flight, this one excels in its juxtaposition of the height of the athlete, arm outstretched enhancing the sense of height, with the cringing, crouched player in the foreground. That juxtaposition evokes a sense of athleticism, of dominance, and of drama.
Best Sports Journalism – Sports Feature or Column
Second Place
Bishop Eustace pitcher not slowed down by health
Catholic Star Herald, Mark Zimmaro
Judge comments: Great feature that provides insight and humanity and captures its subject well.
Second Place
Best Single Ad Originating with the Publication – Color
Lending a Helping Hand
Catholic Star Herald, Tom O’Shea, Production Coordinator and Graphic Designer
Judge comments: This ad is designed beautifully and professionally. The dark blue and black background with shining gold in the foreground create a strong contrast that is visually appealing. It creates a powerful and eyecatching image and presents the information in an organized way. The inclusion of a QR code is also very helpful.
Best Regular Column by Bishop or Archbishop
Third Place
The uncertainty of illness can also lead us to God
Catholic Star Herald, Bishop Dennis Sullivan
Judge comments: The nonfiction narrative approach to bring messages vividly to life made this piece stand out.
Best Editorial on a National or International Issue – Non-Weekly
Third Place
The ministry of Catholic journalism, and you
Catholic Star Herald, Jennifer Mauro
Judge comments: This is a good, educational column that encourages participation by the readers, which is nice to see. It also conveys the newspaper’s philosophy of writing and publishing so that readers understand the purpose and mission of the newspaper. Great work!
Most Effective Use of Small Space
Third Place
Your child belongs in South Jersey Catholic Schools
Catholic Star Herald, Tom O’Shea, Production Coordinator and Graphic Designer
Judge comments: Awesome design. Absolutely stands out from the page. The chalk font and color are inspired, perfectly flavored and really bring the whole design together. Downside: the word ‘school’ is repeated 4x in that small space and ‘South Jersey Catholic’ is repeated 3x. This is a small space by definition. Rather than embracing repetition, it might be better to recognize there is space for a secondary message — and even a third message.
Best Reporting on the Celebration of a Sacrament
Honorable Mention
New priests marvel at consecrating Eucharist
Catholic Star Herald, Peter G. Sánchez
Best Photograph – Spot News
Honorable Mention
Eucharist alive in Church of Camden
Catholic Star Herald, Dave Hernandez
Best Photograph – General News Photo
Honorable Mention
Catholic Star Herald, Rich Hundley III
Best Ad Campaign Originating with the Publication for Advertiser
Honorable Mention
Make Your Home Look New Again — Frank Vincent
Catholic Star Herald, Tom O’Shea and Paul Worthington
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