The digital newsroom received multiple awards in categories including “Best News Writing,” “Best Photo,” “Best Reporting on Cultural Heritage,” and “Best Multimedia Package Series”
The Good NewsroomTM, the digital newsroom of the Archdiocese of New York, earned a total of 12 awards from the Catholic Media Association (CMA) at its annual Catholic Media Conference held in Phoenix, Arizona, for work published in 2024. The digital outlet was recognized for its achievements in the areas of digital and multimedia storytelling, news writing, photography, reporting on cultural heritage, and the caliber of its staff.
Launched in November 2022, The Good Newsroom was developed to tell the stories of the Catholic community of the Archdiocese of New York. It emphasizes the use of video, faster publishing, and access to news through digital channels. The newsroom produces content in both English and Spanish, featuring stories that highlight the faith communities and rich traditions throughout the area. This approach, along with a dedicated newsroom and digital publishing team, has produced a dynamic communications platform that is critical for the archdiocese given its location in the media capital of the world.
Organizational and individual excellence
The Good Newsroom was once again recognized for its work in multimedia packages, with a third-place win for its coverage of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in the Archdiocese of New York, showcasing “a robust and elaborate program of coverage across multiple communication channels,” according to the judging committee. For the second consecutive year, the outlet earned third place for “Best Website” category thanks to its bright, easy-to-use layout and engaging content in both English and Spanish.
The Catholic Media Association recognizes individuals in the category of “Multimedia Professional of the Year” for those whose exemplary service demonstrates talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness in their body of work. The Good Newsroom’s Mary Shovlain and Fernanda Pierorazio took home second and third place, respectively. The judging committee lauded Shovlain’s work for its quality, consistent branding, with attention-grabbing and professional graphics, and excellent use of photos. Pierorazio was highlighted for the extraordinary quality of her work, as well as its style and perspective, particularly in her “Faith of Artists” series.
Cardinal Dolan’s support and additional recognitions
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, has been an essential advocate for the digital platform, which publishes his daily homilies, messages, and videos. “The desire to reach more people with the good news, every day, has been the driving force of The Good Newsroom since day one. I’m once again grateful to the Catholic Media Association for recognizing the team’s quality of work. Their stories, which highlight our people, parishes, and rich cultural traditions, tell the good news of our beloved archdiocese and the ways in which the Church is committed to walking in faith with our fellow New Yorkers.”
The Catholic Media Association awarded individual stories from The Good Newsroom for their strengths in newswriting, photography, and reporting on local and cultural news stories, and use of social media.
First Place
- Best Story and Photo Package — By an Individual: Vísperas Solemnes con Siete Copes celebradas en la Antigua Catedral de San Patricio, Armando Machado
- Best Photo – Sacramental (Spanish): Vísperas Solemnes con Siete Copes celebradas en la Antigua Catedral de San Patricio, Armando Machado
Second Place
- Best Reporting — On Cultural Heritage: Celebración, cultura y tradición del Día de los Muertos, Fernanda Pierorazio
Honorable Mention
- Best Video — Feature, Diocesan and National News Organizations: 9/11 Eve of Solemn Remembrance in Staten Island, Mary Shovlain
- Best News Writing on a Local or Regional Event — Non-Weekly: ‘This is Where They Left Their Souls’: Cardinal Dolan, NY Religious Leaders Remember 9/11 at Moving Interfaith Service, Steven Schwankert
- Best Online Content Not Published in Print — Feature or News
- Best Use of Video on Social Media — Liturgical Season — Diocesan and National News Organizations: “A Series of Lenten Video Reflections for Social Media,” Mary Shovlain
Monsignor Joseph P. LaMorte, Vicar General at the Archdiocese of New York, congratulated The Good Newsroom, saying, “Our digital newsroom was founded to better evangelize. I’m very pleased the team’s efforts, particularly to reach our Spanish-speaking community, have been recognized on a national level.”
A digital connection to the Catholic community of New York
The Good Newsroom remains rooted in its mission to create a welcoming media environment for all audiences, with over 2,000 stories published in 2024 in English and in Spanish and a robust social media presence to reach Catholics of all ages.