The Good Newsroom^TM, the digital newsroom of the Archdiocese of New York, earned several awards from the Catholic Media Association (CMA) at its annual Catholic Media Conference held in Atlanta, GA, for work published in 2023. The new media outlet dominated in the category of ‘Best Multimedia Package Series’, which recognizes storytelling through multiple media, with first place, second place, and an honorable mention.

Launched in November 2022, The Good Newsroom was developed to replace the well-regarded, bi-weekly print publication, Catholic New York. Key to the success of the new entity would be use of video, faster publishing, and access to news through digital channels. The newsroom also creates content in Spanish and increased this effort in 2023. These changes, along with a new newsroom and digital publishing team, have produced a dynamic communications platform, which is critical for the archdiocese given its location in the media capital of the world. 

Three recognitions for multimedia package series

The Good Newsroom dominated the ‘Best Multimedia Package Series’ category, earning first place for coverage of ‘Our Lady of Guadalupe’, a major Mexican Catholic cultural event in New York City, which included celebrations and Masses leading up to a procession and final Mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral on December 12, 2023. English and Spanish-language reporters adeptly covered both the procession that included 1,500 people and the Mass with over 2,000 attendees at the cathedral.

In this same category, the team earned second place for a series called ‘Giving to Those in Need’ about the work of Catholic Charities of New York and donors in distributing food and helping the less fortunate. Given that many of those served speak Spanish, the newsroom again published stories for this series in English and Spanish. Honorable mention was also received for a series of stories about a new Catholic Education and Family Center at St. Philip Neri School and Parish in the Bronx.

Cardinal Dolan’s support and additional recognitions

Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, endorsed the change to the more modern communications platform, which now publishes his daily homilies, messages, and videos. “We launched The Good Newsroom to reach more people and to reach them more quickly. I’m grateful to the Catholic Media Association for recognizing The Good Newsroom team for its high-quality work. Their stories about the Catholic faith in action are all there for people to see, including stories about our people, parishes, and schools, Hispanic cultural Masses, our efforts to help our neighbors, and a new school and community center model in the Bronx.”

A video ad featuring Cardinal Dolan announcing The Good Newsroom app in early 2023 won first place in the category of ‘Best Single Advertisement Originating with the Publication – Online Ad’. The Good Newsroom also earned third place in the category of ‘Best Website – Diocesan’ for its mobile-friendly website. The website has received over 420,000 visitors to date and the app has been downloaded over 11,000 times. Stories are also published through social media channels and an e-newsletter. The Good Newsroom also earned second place in the category of ‘Best Media Kit 2023’. The document was developed and designed to encourage advertisers to partner with the media outlet.

Monsignor Joseph P. LaMorte, Vicar General at the Archdiocese of New York, has been a supporter of the transition to The Good Newsroom. “We chartered new waters with our digital newsroom to better evangelize. I’m very pleased the efforts of the team have been recognized on a national level.”

A welcoming and growing community

Part of the mission of The Good Newsroom has been to create a welcoming media environment for all audiences. With over 2,000 stories published in 2023, many were in Spanish to ensure Hispanic Catholics had access to information and news. In addition, The Good Newsroom Instagram account has seen considerable growth, which speaks to interest in Catholic news from a younger audience.

Bishop Joseph Espaillat, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York, has been a key advisor to the initiative. “We are working to ensure that all Catholics feel they belong to the community we have created. People need to hear information in a language that is understandable to them. In addition, young people are the ‘now of God’, so we have to publish on the channels they use. Our work and efforts are paying off.”