Following is the list of awards won by NCR staff and contributors in the annual Catholic Press Association media awards contest. The awards are for material published online and in print in 2017. The list includes the name of the category, the winner and the material that is being honored, and the judges' comments. (Note: In some cases, headlines reflect the print version of the article and may not match the linked article.)
The complete list of winners is available on the CPA website.
First Place Awards
AD28: BEST NEWSPAPER WEBSITE — First Place
National Catholic Reporter, "NCRonline.org" by National Catholic Reporter staff and contributors
The National Catholic Reporter has highly impressive content that includes investigative and enterprise reporting that is relevant for a diverse Catholic audience. This site delivers on its mission.
AD08b: BEST BLOG: Publication Blog — First Place
National Catholic Reporter, "NCR Today" by NCR staff and contributors
They covered a wide variety of topics in their regularly scheduled blog posts throughout the 2017 year. Their morning briefings gave readers something consistent to rely on and read, and their topic-specific articles were captivating and well thought out. They take an interesting and modern approach to religion and the role of Catholicism in terms of current events, social justice, and politics. From the "Campus Notebook" segments that focus on issues on college campuses, to the pieces on gun control and safety, to articles connecting the spirit of Jesus to current issues of poverty and suffering.
AD08c: BEST BLOG: By Layperson — First Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Young Voices" by Nicole Sotelo, Jocelyn A. Sideco, Julia Walsh, Allison Walter, Mike Jordan Laskey, Brian Harper, Christian Mocek, Jennifer Mertens, Clare Coffey, Mark Piper, Susan Rose Francois, Christin Tomy, Jennifer Wilson, Tracy Kemme, Tracey Horan, Colleen Gibson
I really liked this blog and its focus on issues facing America's youth. They did a good job incorporating lessons and values of Christianity into "cool" and relatable topics (e.g. Wonder Woman). Additionally, the writing style was professional and well developed. Concerns over lingering racism, women's rights issues, and drug addiction made for a powerful and insightful blog.
AD09a: BEST ONLINE CONTENT NOT PUBLISHED IN PRINT: Written Content — First Place
An entry consists of up to five articles published online within a 60-day period that by themselves demonstrate sound writing and storytelling, and in the aggregate suggests a publication's belief in the immediacy and value of reaching an online audience.
Excellent reporting on important issues. Courageous, bold story-telling. By far some of the best work I've read since I started judging for this contest years ago.
- In coal country, Catholics testify in favor of Clean Power Plan, by Brian Roewe
- Church teaching is clear: 'Fake news,' other untruths are wrong, dangerous, by Heidi Schlumpf
- Does God lead us to sin? New French 'Our Father' says no , by Tom Heneghan
- Minnesota parish rallies around gay musicians ousted by new priest, by Brian Roewe
- Drawing lessons from the life of Cardinal Bernard Law, by NCR staff
AD35: BEST PODCAST — First Place
National Catholic Reporter, "NCR In Conversation" by Brittany Wilmes, Stephanie Yeagle, Toni-Ann Ortiz, George Goss
This podcast series covers an array of timely and pertinent issues that directly affect the Catholic faith and vice versa. It is high in quality and in impact.
N03b: BEST NEWS WRITING ON A NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL EVENT: National Event, National Newspaper or Wire Service — First Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Meeting rallies to 'stand with those whose backs are against the wall'; San Diego bishop urges crowd to become disrupters and rebuilders" by Brian Roewe
With an impressive list of sources, these well-written and crafted articles tell a powerful story.
N03d: BEST NEWS WRITING ON A NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL EVENT: International Event, National Newspaper or Wire Service — First Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Coverage of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors" by Joshua J. McElwee. Articles submitted:
- "Lone survivor on Vatican abuse commission resigns in frustration"
- "O'Malley pledges pope still committed to rooting out clergy sex abuse"
- "Francis speaks out about Marie Collins' resignation"
- "Papal abuse commission looks at restructuring"
- "Francis: Church waiting too long to respond to sex abuse"
- "Papal abuse commission appears to go inactive"
Bold in approach, the coverage of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors is told with precision. The addition of the first person story of the resignation of Marie Collins and Pope Francis' response rounds out this story which must see the light of day.
N04b: BEST INVESTIGATIVE/ANALYSIS NEWS WRITING: Investigative News Writing, National Newspaper or Wire Service — First Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Coverage of money and the Catholic church" by Tom Roberts. Articles submitted:
- "The Knights' reach"
- "'Find common cause,' spokesman advises NCR"
- "Koch, Turkson speak at Catholic University's 'Good Profit' conference"
- "Money and church intertwined"
The research and investigation for this story appears to be exhaustive. Reporter dug through a vast amount of federal tax forms in conducting research for the story and followed that up with detailed interviews in support of the research. Impressively weaved all of the research into a series a stories that explain in interesting detail how great sums of money are being disbursed by powerful people and organizations with ties to Catholicism
N04d: BEST INVESTIGATIVE/ANALYSIS NEWS WRITING: Best Analysis/Background/Round-Up News Writing: The Gerard E. Sherry Award for National Newspaper or Wire Service — First Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Sexual violence victims break the silence" by Heidi Schlumpf
This analysis of the Church's silence on the #metoo movement allows victims of sexual violence to speak for themselves, provides statistics on how many people are affected, and interviews theologians who explain how the Church can do better.
N07e: BEST EDITORIAL ON A NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL ISSUE: National Newspaper — First Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Now is the time for action on guns" by National Catholic Reporter editors
Bravo for pointed and vivid language that takes on the issue of guns and politics. The Bishop's story that leads the editorial has a power and immediacy that suggests NOW, as the rest of the editorial does too.
N08b: BEST EDITORIAL PAGE OR EDITORIAL SECTION: National Newspaper — First Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Opinion & Arts" by National Catholic Reporter staff and contributors (Note: This is print only category, so no links to share.)
Opinion and the Arts is characterized by creativity as well as breadth and depth of coverage. Content is representative of the wide range of the Catholic Intellectual tradition including art, literature, and critical thinking about current issues. Bravo!
N10e: BEST PERSONALITY PROFILE: National Newspaper or Wire Service — First Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Colman McCarthy makes sure students learn peace" by Tom Roberts
This story brings an interesting character to life and clearly demonstrates the impact he has on other people.
N11a: BEST REGULAR COLUMN: Culture, the Arts, and Leisure — First Place
National Catholic Reporter, Menachem Wecker. Articles entered:
- "Cosmopolitan 17th-century art"
- "Artworks that teach the faithful how to die well"
- "Michelangelo's architecture of faith"
Nice diverse collection of well organized articles.
N11b: BEST REGULAR COLUMN: Spiritual Life — First Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Soul Seeing" edited by Michael Leach. Columns submitted:
- "Love revealed in brokenness" by Heidi Russell
- "I can't get the institutional church out of my system" by Tom Smith
- "I know there will always be kindness" by Michael Leach
A diverse collection of well-written columns with a lot of variety. Address profound topics in an engaging manner
N48e: BEST COVERAGE OF PRO-LIFE ISSUES: National Newspaper or Wire Service — First Place
National Catholic Reporter, Articles by Kristen Whitney Daniels
- "States debate death penalty issues"
- "Arkansas' execution schedule spurs activists"
- "Ohio scrutinizes execution drug"
Strong descriptive writing chock full of well researched facts and relevant details make this series of stories stand out as the best treatment of pro-life issues.
N54e: BEST REPORTING OF SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES: Dignity and Rights of the Workers — First Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Conflicts on campus" by Menachem Wecker
This story uses detailed and rigorous reporting to investigate a contentious subject: disputes over faculty health care and unionizing at a Catholic university. The reporter is fair and precise in explaining competing claims about the course of negotiations between faculty and administrators. Persuading a variety of people to talk on the record led to the story providing a valuable range of perspectives.
N54f: BEST REPORTING OF SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES: Solidarity — First Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Sisters listen to help heal as Rwanda marks 23 years since the genocide" by Melanie Lidman
More than a decade after the genocide in Rwanda, the Benebikira Sisters describe how they work as Sister Listeners to help community members process their experiences. The depth of reporting and explanation of the complex political situation in Rwanda -- the government acknowledges genocide only against Tutsis, not against Hutus — make clear the challenges the sisters face in helping people heal.
Second Place Awards
AD08c: BEST BLOG: By Layperson — Second Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Distinctly Catholic" by Michael Sean Winters
These articles were very informative and presented rational, well-developed arguments about the intersections between Catholicism and politics in America. The author took issues such as the storm recovery in Puerto Rico and U.S. foreign policy and both provided background on the issues and presented a framework in which Catholics can evaluate their role and how the lessons of Christianity and Jesus can guide their stance and actions on certain issues. The writing style of these posts is a double-edged sword. In some ways, they are excellent because they are professional and even academic in style. In other ways, this may be something that audience members do not like. It is hard to judge an entry like this against something like "open window" which is often about recipes and arts and crafts and takes on a much more conversational tone.
AD08d: BEST BLOG: By Religious/Clergy — Second Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Simply Spirit" by Christine Schenk
I really liked this blog! They covered a great mix of political topics and brought Catholic values into real world applications. They explored incredibly pressing topics and had an interesting viewpoint. These posts were not posted as often as the winning entry and did not have as consistent of a sharing strategy and format, but overall it was still an outstanding entry and a blog I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
AD25: BEST ONLINE PRESENTATION OF MULTIMEDIA VISUALS — Second Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Fast-food workers celebrate Puzder's secretary of labor nomination withdrawal" by Shireen Korkzan, George Goss
Good written text. You may want to clarify the names and titles in the lead. Good video for social med
N03b: BEST NEWS WRITING ON A NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL EVENT: National Event, National Newspaper or Wire Service — Second Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Words are not enough: Racial justice activists urge action from Catholic leaders" by Heidi Schlumpf
Weaving past and recent news events with contemporary responses but Church leadership, this well-researched and crafted article lays out Church and world responses to the sin of racism.
N03d: BEST NEWS WRITING ON A NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL EVENT: International Event, National Newspaper or Wire Service — Second Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Coverage of Magnum Principium." Articles submitted:
- "Francis decentralizes liturgical text translations" by Joshua J. McElwee,
- "Liturgical experts in US praise shift" by Heidi Schlumpf
- "A short history of the 'liturgy wars'" By James Dearie and Dennis Coday
- "Francis corrects cardinal on liturgical translations," by Joshua J. McElwee
- "Wuerl: Liturgical translation reform is 'what the council said,' " by Joshua J. McElwee
- "Seize the moment: Authors say it's time to roll back the 2010 missal," bySarah Mac Donald
Changes in liturgical language always rouse interest and ire. These articles spell out with clarity the background and implications of the current guides coming from Rome to the local church by way of the USCCB.
N05b: BEST IN-DEPTH NEWS/SPECIAL REPORTING: National Newspaper or Wire Service — Second Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Awareness fosters hope for often-invisible sex-trafficking victims in the Midwest" reporting and writing by J. Malcolm Garcia, and Soli Salgado. Graphics by Toni-Ann Ortiz
Interesting read. In-depth with breadth. Excellent intertwining of personal stories with support resources created to address human trafficking.
N07e: BEST EDITORIAL ON A NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL ISSUE: National Newspaper — Second Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Default must be to trust the victim" by National Catholic Reporter editors
This appeal to transform culture because of misuse of power and authority around sexual relationships is presented with logic and a bit of emotional content as well. The editorial appeals to the mind as well as the heart.
N10e: BEST PERSONALITY PROFILE: National Newspaper or Wire Service — Second Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Helen Prejean sways hearts with stories" by Kristen Whitney Daniels
This story profiles a complex and determined personality that is touching the lives of many.
N45: BEST COVERAGE OF THE PAPAL TRIPS OVERSEAS — Second Place
National Catholic Reporter. Articles submitted:
- "In Egypt, Francis appeals for peace" by Joshua J. McElwee
- "Francis pushes for peace in Colombia" by Joshua J. McElwee and Soli Salgado
- "Rohingya plight dominates pope's trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh" by Joshua J. McElwee
Excellent job reporting on a variety of news events around the world. Very well written
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Third Place Awards
N04d: BEST INVESTIGATIVE/ANALYSIS NEWS WRITING: Best Analysis/Background/Round-Up News Writing: The Gerard E. Sherry Award for National Newspaper or Wire Service — Third Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Annulment reform seems to cultivate change of culture" and "What are the changes to the annulment process?" by Dan Morris-Young
As applications for annulment rise dramatically in some dioceses, this story explains how the process works, describes recent changes in canon law, and gathers perspectives from interviews with diocesan leaders across the country.
N16c: BEST USE OF ART OR GRAPHICS: Best Chart or Information Graphic — Third Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Human trafficking and the sex trade: A modern form of slavery" by Toni-Ann Ortiz
Nicely divided with enough information to enhance the story but not overwhelming.
N54g: BEST REPORTING OF SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES: Care for God's Creation — Third Place
National Catholic Reporter, "Students undertake Carbon Challenge" by Brian Roewe
The details of how high school students and their teachers bring the principles of "Laudato Si" into their schools — from the "ID a Tree" challenge to taste tests of fair-trade chocolate — are told in lively anecdotes, providing a guide to other schools who want to incorporate the values of environmental justice into their classes
Honorable Mentions
AD08c: BEST BLOG: By Layperson — Honorable Mention
National Catholic Reporter, "My Table Is Spread" by Melissa Musick Nussbaum
E09: NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR - National Newspaper — Honorable Mention
National Catholic Reporter, "National Catholic Reporter" by NCR staff and contributors.
N01b: BEST FRONT PAGE: Tabloid (11 x 17") — Honorable Mention
National Catholic Reporter, "National Catholic Reporter" by Toni-Ann Ortiz
N03b: BEST NEWS WRITING ON A NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL EVENT: National Event, National Newspaper or Wire Service — Honorable Mention
National Catholic Reporter, "A Nation Under Trump" by Dawn Araujo-Hawkins, James Dearie, Maria Benevento, Antoine de Tarlé, Heidi Schlumpf. Articles submitted:
- "Women amplify their political voices" by Dawn Araujo-Hawkins
- "US foreign policy substantively the same" by James Dearie
- "Immigration rhetoric put into action" by Maria Benevento
- "The Trump presidency and Europe" by Antoine de Tarlé
- "Poverty issues gain traction since election" by Heidi Schlumpf
N05b: BEST IN-DEPTH NEWS/SPECIAL REPORTING: National Newspaper or Wire Service — Honorable Mention
National Catholic Reporter, "Coverage of Uncommon Conversation"
- "'Uncommon conversation' on sex abuse falls silent" by Brian Roewe
- "'All of us together': Sex abuse survivor seeks healing within the church" by Luke Hansen
- "Priest-perpetrator shares his story" by Luke Hansen
N07e: BEST EDITORIAL ON A NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL ISSUE: National Newspaper — Honorable Mention
National Catholic Reporter, "Time for dialogue on sexual ethics" by National Catholic Reporter editors
N11a: BEST REGULAR COLUMN: Culture, the Arts, and Leisure — Honorable Mention
National Catholic Reporter, Film reviews by Sr. Rose Pacatte