National Catholic Register Awards

National Catholic Register Repeats as ‘Newspaper of the Year’

The Register captured 11 awards, including top marks for coverage of religious liberty, vocations to the priesthood, religious life & the diaconate, & best regular column

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – The National Catholic Register was named “Newspaper of the Year” for the second consecutive year at the Catholic Press Association’s annual Catholic Media Conference June 12-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The Register’s Sept. 3, Sept. 17 and Oct. 1 issues, with the lead stories “Racism on Main Street,” “Houston’s ‘Dunkirk’ Moment” and “Consecrated to the Blessed Mother” “had interesting stories with a variety of topics ranging from immigration, pro-life rallies, and racism,” the judges said in awarding the conference’s top national award to the Register. “The graphics and photos in the paper were also superb. A nice variety of topics for an audience with diverse interests. Articles are well-written and easy to read.”

“I never imagined we’d be recognized as Newspaper of the Year twice in a row,” said Jeanette De Melo, the Register’s editor-in-chief. “That’s an incredible honor and sign of our consistency. But I’m also thrilled that we were recognized across a broad spectrum of awards, for a variety of writing styles and topics: from columns and analysis to news and feature reporting on religious liberty, biotechnology, vocation, racism and pro-life issues. Such general excellence makes me truly proud and even more determined in our editorial mission.”

The Register, marking its 90th anniversary through November, won 11 awards in all, including top awards for “Best Coverage of Religious Liberty Issues,” “Best Regular Column: General Commentary” and “Best Reporting on Vocations to the Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate.”

“Conscience in Residency Project,” by correspondent Elisabeth Deffner, “Trump on Religious Freedom,” by senior editor Joan Frawley Desmond, and “Contraceptive Mandate Relief in Sight” by correspondent Brian Fraga combined to earn a first-place finish for its coverage of religious liberty.

The judges remarked of these stories, “It is often hard to top the work of the National Catholic Register and you can't this year. The article on Conscience in Residency Project introduces tough topics and the fine doctors in the battle. The discussion on President Trump and religious freedom structured by Joan Frawley Desmond is a vibrant and complete article. The piece on Contraceptive Mandate Relief is another important topic with good insight and coverage.”

Veteran Register contributor Rebecca Taylor earned the top award for her commentaries — “Immoral Uses of Biotechnology — Even With Good Intentions — Are Nevertheless Evil”; “When Redefining ‘Normal’ Is More Hurtful Than Helpful”; “It’s Up to Us to Protect the Tree of Life.” The judges said of her award-winning work, “Powerful persuasion backed by strong coverage makes this one stand out as a winner.”

Also lauded was the work of correspondents Michael Kelly, Patti Armstrong and Nicholas Wolfram Smith, “Monastic Life in Ireland,” “New Priests Honor Mom with Old Tradition” and “Doctor the Priesthood is Calling,” as a “wonderful package that spans all that is Catholic, the small but steady growth of monastic life in Ireland, a warm and fuzzy family story of two brothers who became priests, and a look at those who have combined Ph.D. knowledge with priestly wisdom. Each article stands alone, but also becomes part of a bigger picture of vocations.”

The Register won second place for “Best Investigative/News Analysis/News Writing for its coverage of the Reformation at 500. Contributors were senior editor Matthew Bunson and Stephen Beale, Steve Weidenkopf, Mark Brumley and Susan Klemond. The judges called it “a fascinating and exhaustively reported exploration.”

“This series challenges common misperceptions, brings historical figures to life through vivid writing, and uses timelines and short profiles to show how centuries-old events still have resonance in today,” they added.

The Register also won a second-place award for “Best Coverage of Pro-Life Issues:” Deffner, for “Small Blessings: Volunteers Give Proper Burial to Babies,” Desmond, for “Human Coalition Helps Change Hearts of Abortion Determined Mothers,” and Fraga, for “Abortion Divide Deepens in US.”

Staff writer Peter Jesserer Smith’s “Racism on Main Street” took third place for “Best News Writing on a National Event.”

Longtime Register film critic Deacon Steven D. Greydanus also won third place for “Best Regular Column: Culture, the Arts and Leisure” for “Apostasy and Ambiguity,” “What Does a Starship Need with God?” and “All Saints Offers Story of Encounter, Welcome of Refugees.”

The Register also earned honorable mention for “Best Front Page Design” (“The Trump Presidency,” “The Register at 90” and “Fractured Faith: The Reformation at 500”); “Best In-Depth News/Special Reporting” (“Indian Nun’s Killer Participates in Her Beatification Mass” by Anto Akkara) and “Best News Writing on an International Event” for its coverage by Peter Jesserer Smith and Vatican reporter Edward Pentin of persecuted Christians in the Middle East in the wake of ISIS.

“I am grateful for the dedication and creativity of the Register team, from the editors and staff writers to the many freelance journalist and commentators who contribute to our pages,” De Melo said. “They deserve this recognition for the standout service they provide our readers. I couldn’t be prouder of the hard work and dedication of the Register team.”

The award-winning National Catholic Register (www.NCRegister.com) provides its readers with timely news reporting from across the United States, the Vatican, and around the world. As the newspaper of record for the Catholic Church in America, the Register and its online presence, NCRegister.com, have become America’s most complete and faithful Catholic news source. With over 90 years in print, the Register is published bi-weekly, 26 issues per year. The National Catholic Register also produces Register Radio, a weekly program that airs on EWTN’s radio network.

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 37th year, is the largest religious media network in the world. EWTN's 11 TV channels are broadcast in multiple languages 24 hours a day, seven days a week to over 275 million television households in more than 145 countries and territories. EWTN platforms also include radio services transmitted through SIRIUS/XM, iHeart Radio, and over 500 domestic and international AM & FM radio affiliates; a worldwide shortwave radio service; the largest Catholic website in the U.S.; electronic and print news services, including Catholic News Agency, "The National Catholic Register" newspaper, and several global news wire services; as well as EWTN Publishing, its book publishing division.  

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EWTN Big Winner at 2018 Gabriel Awards

EWTN Global Catholic Network was honored with numerous Gabriel awards – for news coverage in war-torn Iraq, for two high-end original docudramas, and for a new radio talk show – during the 53rd Annual Gabriel Awards ceremony, Thursday, June 14, at the Hyatt Regency in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Irondale, AL (EWTN) –  EWTN Global Catholic Network was honored with numerous Gabriel awards – for news coverage in war-torn Iraq, for two high-end original docudramas, and for a new radio talk show – during the 53rd Annual Gabriel Awards ceremony, Thursday, June 14, at the Hyatt Regency in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Gabriel Awards are presented annually by the Catholic Press Association and honor both secular and religious film, television, radio and digital media outlets for “outstanding artistic achievement in media that entertains and enriches with a true vision of humanity and a true vision of life.”

“EWTN News Nightly with Lauren Ashburn” swept the “TV, News and Informational, National Release” category of the 2018 Gabriel Awards winning first place, second place, and an honorable mention for its on-the-ground coverage in Iraq. First place went to Anchor Lauren Ashburn’s interview with a Catholic priest from Michigan, who moved to Erbil, a town in Northern Iraq, to minister to war-weary Catholics and other Christians and to give them hope. According to the Gabriel judges: “The selflessness of this priest and the timeliness of the story make it a real winner.” (www.youtube.com/ewtn)

A story about residents returning to areas liberated from ISIS and conditions on the ground in Iraq was honored with a second place win, while “EWTN News Nightly” was given an honorable mention for a story about Batnaya after the expulsion of ISIS by Kurdish fighters.

“EWTN has given considerable attention to the plight of Christians in the Middle East, so it was gratifying to see Lauren Ashburn and videographer Tom Haller recognized for their incredible work in Iraq covering stories on Catholics dealing with the devastation wrought by ISIS,” said EWTN Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw. “I was especially pleased to see the judges recognize the Network’s efforts to provide viewers with news they will not see anywhere else.”

“Called and Chosen – Father Vincent R. Capodanno,” an EWTN original docudrama, also garnered a first place award in the “TV, Religious, National Release” category. The program depicts the life of a former Maryknoll missionary turned military chaplain, who died at the age of 38 on the killing fields of Vietnam administering the sacraments and pulling others to safety. The judges called the program “[b]eautiful, heart wrenching and inspiring.” (http://bit.ly/CalledandChosen)

The Network also garnered an Honorable Mention for Episode 2 of its blockbuster series, “The Message of Fatima.” The episode, which aired during Fatima’s 100th anniversary, dramatizes Our Lady of Fatima’s first apparition. (http://bit.ly/TheMessageOfFatima)

“For several years now, EWTN has been focused on creating more original, high quality movies, documentaries, and docudramas,” Warsaw said. “That’s why we are especially pleased that the Gabriels honored ‘Called and Chosen – Father Vincent R. Capodanno’ with a first place award for its depiction of the inspiring life of this heroic priest, as well as ‘The Message of Fatima.’ These two docudramas were EWTN viewer favorites.”

Finally, EWTN Radio won a second place Gabriel in the “Radio, Religious, National Release” category for “Take Two With Jerry & Debbie.” Said Warsaw: “We hope this award helps more people to discover one of our most popular radio shows!”

These award-winning programs can be found on EWTN’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/ewtn. Find “Called and Chosen” here: http://bit.ly/CalledandChosen, and “The Message of Fatima” here: http://bit.ly/TheMessageOfFatima.

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 37th year, is the largest religious media network in the world. EWTN’s 11 TV channels are broadcast in multiple languages 24 hours a day, seven days a week to over 275 million television households in more than 145 countries and territories. EWTN platforms also include radio services transmitted through SIRIUS/XM, iHeart Radio, and over 500 domestic and international AM & FM radio affiliates; a worldwide shortwave radio service; the largest Catholic website in the U.S.; electronic and print news services, including Catholic News Agency, “The National Catholic Register” newspaper, and several global news wire services; as well as EWTN Publishing, its book publishing division.

EWTN takes on the Pope Francis problem

Kudos to EWTN!  It is refreshing to see EWTN addressing the scandalous statements made by Pope Francis that have caused so much confusion among the laity. Hearing this report from EWTN, a most trusted source for Catholics around the world is soothing. It means we aren't going crazy, the pope said some things that truly are bothersome and must be addressed honestly by Catholic media. I think Mother Angelica would be proud.

EWTN's National Catholic Register recently published an article by Msgr. Charles Pope on the confusing, hurtful and chaotic things Pope Francis has said, if you haven't read it yet, please do.  It's an excellent article. I am going to quote a few parts here that stood out to me.

quote(in part): I write these remarks simply as a parish priest. I am not a canonist and certainly not a reporter. I react simply as a priest to what has been reported all week, and write here the reaction of one man and priest—me.
First, it is reported that the Pope said pastors should not be “putting our noses into the moral life of other people.”
Permit me to state my utter bewilderment at such a notion. As a priest, and especially as a confessor and spiritual director this is my duty! It is true that I am not to unnecessarily pry into the private lives of parishioners. But surely there is a requirement that as a confessor and a pastor I have some sense of the moral life of those to whom I minister.

And...

quote(in part): But it is beyond lamentable that the Pope, as initially reported, should have called priests (or any human being for that matter) “animals.” Such a word should never have come out of his mouth, and I would hope for an apology for this offensive characterization, not merely a Vatican “clarification.” I certainly have some differences with brother priests, I would call my differences with dissenting priests significant. But this does not permit me to call them animals, and the Pope, who seems to have done so, has no business doing it either. Admittedly the recorded comments are hard to follow, but the cleansed Vatican transcript is more in the mode of “Let’s pretend this was never said as recorded” rather than a clear denial—“The Pope wants to say he not consider priest animals, even though he thinks some are too hard-lined on this matter.”
It will be admitted that Pope Gregory (in his Pastoral Rule) once said that silent priests who failed to rebuke sinners were like “dumb dogs that cannot bark.” But he was using a metaphor, and quoting Scripture. He did not univocally call them dogs, he said they were “like” or in the mode of dumb dogs that cannot warn of danger. But there is nothing in this recent Pope’s comments that suggests metaphor or simile. He just outright called priests whose prudential judgments he doubts “animals”. “They’re animals” he said.
I pray that never again will we hear reported such a rude and unnecessary remark from this pope or any pope. No human person should be called an animal by a pope or any anyone, for that matter. Metaphors and similes have their place in human discourse, but to univocally call a fellow human being and animal is out of line.

And...

quote(in part): Please, Holy Father: Enough of these ad hoc, off-the-cuff, impromptu sessions, whether at thirty thousand feet or at ground level. Much harm through confusion has been caused by these latest remarks on marriage, cohabitation, baptism, confession, and pastoral practice. Simply cleaning the record in the official transcript is not enough; this is an era of instant reportage and lots of recording devices, tweets, and Instagrams.
Just this priest’s perspective. But I can assure you, dear reader, that the impact hits priests hard, and I cannot deny a certain weariness and discouragement at this point. I realize that such remarks of the Pope are not doctrinal, but just try and tell that to gleeful dissenters and the morally confused or misled in this world.

Please read the entire article at EWTN's National Catholic Register.

It didn't stop there, EWTN's Raymond Arroyo gathered together his "papal posse" to address the problems with what Pope Francis has been saying.

(*Thanks to Re-Store DC Catholicism for the heads up on this one) 

I think Raymond's interview taking on these scandalous statements by Pope Francis was excellent. No head in the sand, pretending to be ostriches and no excuses. What the Pope has said is WRONG. Period. 

There was a particular story Raymond tells about a friend who heard the Pope's words on shacking up in fornication and wanted a Catholic priest to "bless" his fornication because that is what he heard the Pope say. This confusion has spread around the world and the Vatican hasn't cleaned it up-yet (I believe they will).

It is extremely bothersome to me (and I am guessing many others) that every time Francis speaks his mind, the Vatican has to jump up and say "Wait a minute! The Pope didn't mean that, he meant...".  I thank God that the Church is always there to correct the Pope, but I think its horrendous that this has to happen every time Francis speaks his mind. We are seeing what Pope Francis truly believes- and it doesn't match authentic Catholic teaching.  This is a problem. 

Great work EWTN for facing this problem and not pretending it doesn't exist.

God bless! 


In Christ,


Julie @ Connecticut Catholic Corner 



Sources: 

http://www.ncregister.com/blog/msgr-pope/one-priests-concern-about-recent-remarks-by-the-pope/

EWTN Press Release: CPA Awards

National Catholic Register
and EWTN Gain CPA Awards

IRONDALE, Ala. — The National Catholic Register took home a total of nine awards, including top prizes for Best Front Page (broadsheet), Best News Writing on a National or International Event, and Best Feature Writing for a National Newspaper at the Catholic Press Association’s 2015 Catholic Media Conference.

Held June 24-26 in Buffalo, N.Y., the annual awards recognize excellence in Catholic publishing on a diocesan and national level. Judging is conducted “by a group of experts and Catholic press professionals,” according to CPA guidelines.

For the second consecutive year, the Register won first place for Best Front Page, for its covers of April 20, May 4 and May 18. They were compiled by Editor in Chief Jeanette De Melo, Managing Editor Tom Wehner, Associate Editor Amy Smith, News Editor Tom McFeely and Graphic Artist Melissa Hartog.

“Edition after edition, the Register’s editors strive to put our very best on page one and it’s truly rewarding to see that hard work and creativity recognized by our Catholic media colleagues,” said De Melo.
The Register also won first place for its coverage of the crisis in Ukraine, written by Victor Gaetan.

CPA judges awarded the Register second place for General Excellence (national newspaper) and to film critic and blogger Steven D. Greydanus for Best Regular Column: Culture, the Arts, and Leisure. Greydanus won for his columns “Good Priest Walks Hard Road to ‘Calvary’,” “Rocking the Boat” and “Exodus Gods and Kings: Theological Reflections.”

The Register also won third place for Best News Writing Originating With the Paper on an International Event: “Syrian and Iraqi Refugee ‘Mega-Crisis’ Is Out of Control,” written by Washington Correspondent Peter Jesserer Smith; Best Regular Column: Culture, the Arts and Leisure for “Genetically Modified Food Bad, Genetically Modified Humans Good,” “Entering the Bionic Age: Why Be You When You Can Be New,” and “Shut Up and Be Grateful for Your Life: We Need to Listen To Children Conceived Through Third-Party Reproduction,” written by Rebecca Taylor; Best Coverage of Religious Liberty Issues, for “Silence in Nineveh,” and “Hobby Lobby Has Its Day in Court,” by Senior Editor Joan Frawley ,” and “Severing the Roots of the Liberty Tree,” by Martin Nussbaum and Eric Kniffin”; and for Best Explanation of the Church’s Position on Marriage, for “Gram Josephine: Witness to the Truth About Marriage,” Dennis Michael Manning,” “Asking the Right Question on Annulment Reform,” by Benedict Nguyen and “The Naturalness of Marriage,” by Donald DeMarco.

“We’ve got the finest bunch of writers in Catholic media in our pages,’ De Melo said. “The works CPA cited for excellence show the wide range of Register coverage — from serious reports on world events to the reasoned perspectives on cultural issues that touch our communities and even our own homes.”

Additionally, Greydanus was also a co-recipient with David DiCerto of a Gabriel Award for the Reel Faith television program on NET TV, run by the Diocese of Brooklyn.

EWTN, the Register’s parent organization, took home its second consecutive Gabriel Award for Religious Television Station of the Year and EWTN Radio won a certificate of merit for its show Blessed 2 Play.
“While we aren’t in journalism to collect a bunch of awards, we are here to tell the story of the Church today and cover the intersection of faith and public life,” said De Melo. “Nevertheless, it’s always gratifying to know we’re doing our job well. Congratulations to the Register staff, correspondents and bloggers for the fine journalism in service to the Church.”

The award-winning National Catholic Register (www.NCRegister.com) provides its readers with timely news reporting from across the United States, the Vatican, and around the world. As the newspaper of record for the Catholic Church in America, the Register and its online presence,NCRegister.com, have become America’s most complete and faithful Catholic news source. It is published bi-weekly, 26 issues per year. The National Catholic Register also produces Register Radio, a weekly program that airs on EWTN’s radio network.


EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 34th year, is available in over 238 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

EWTN Press Release: National Catholic Register Grows

National Catholic Newspaper

Reports Unprecedented Circulation Gains

The National Catholic Register Grows Paid Circulation by 71% in Three Years

Irondale, Ala., October 27, 2014 — The National Catholic Register continues to defy the challenges of the newspaper publishing industry, reporting a 71% increase in circulation since February 2011. In this three-year timeframe — under the management of its owner EWTN Global Catholic Network — circulation rose from 22,825 subscribers to today’s 39,041subscribers. The gains in circulation for 2014 alone have included nearly 4,000 new subscribers.
These consistent and record gains for the largest and one of the oldest Catholic newspapers in the U.S. can be attributed to a comprehensive blend of factors, including timely and trustworthy reporting, solid editorial content, inspirational features, and expanded marketing efforts.
Online web traffic to NCRegister.com has also increased from 294,886 to 903,557 in the same three-year time period — a 206% growth. Recently, the National Catholic Register’s Facebook page surpassed 100,000 likes, and the publication also reaches digital readers via its new mobile site, iPhone/iPad and Android apps, and Kindle. Finally, the organization also produces Register Radio, a weekly radio show that airs on EWTN’s Global Radio Network.
“The Register is experiencing a wonderful, prolonged period of growth that speaks to our ability to deliver thorough news coverage that resonates truth,” said Michael P. Warsaw, EWTN’s chairman and chief executive officer and publisher of the National Catholic Register. “It’s exciting to see both long-time and new readers respond to our efforts with the enthusiasm and loyal support that is fueling our growth.”
“Our media organization — with a staff of only 16 full-time employees — continues to meet the needs of our audience — in print, online and via Register Radio,” notes Editor in Chief, Jeanette De Melo. “Our print and digital subscription numbers, as well as overall website and new media traffic, continue to climb, as we reach Catholics in the many varied ways they seek their news today.”
The award-winning National Catholic Register (www.NCRegister.com) provides its readers with timely news reporting from across the United States, the Vatican, and around the world. As the newspaper of record for the Catholic Church in America, the Register and its online presence, NCRegister.com, have become America’s most complete and faithful Catholic news source. It is published bi-weekly, 26 issues per year. The National Catholic Register also produces Register Radio, a weekly program that airs on EWTN’s radio network.

EWTN Global Catholic Network is available in more than 230 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

National Catholic Register Press Release: April 3, 2012

The National Catholic Register Wins Best Catholic Newspaper Award for Two Consecutive Years

Irondale, AL – The National Catholic Register has won the About.com 2012 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Catholic Newspaper for the second year in a row. Now in its fifth year, the About.com Readers’ Choice Awards honor the best products, features and services across more than a dozen categories, ranging from technology to hobbies to parenting and more, as selected by About.com readers. The Register was nominated in five different categories.

“This year’s Readers’ Choice Awards program had a record number of nominations submitted across dozens of categories and featured hundreds of finalists,” said Margot Weiss, managing editor of About.com. “We are thankful to all our readers for their participation and congratulate the National Catholic Register on their success.”

The National Catholic Register has been under the direction of EWTN Global Catholic Network since February, 2011. “Just over a year ago, the Register became an important part of the EWTN family. This award is a great affirmation that the content of the Register continues to meet the needs of the faithful as they grapple with the challenges of our times,” said Michael Warsaw, EWTN’s president and chief executive officer and the publisher of the National Catholic Register.

“All signs are pointing upwards for the Register,” said Dan Burke, executive director of the National Catholic Register. “We continue to beat our monthly subscription goals, which is remarkable for a print publication in this day and age.”

The Register’s mission is to deliver a measure of hope and confidence in every issue and combat the culture’s aggressive disregard for the sanctity of human life, traditional family values and reverence for our faith. “The impact that the Register is able to have on the Church — by informing and inspiring people about the key issues of the day — is a blessing our entire team is proud to be a part of,” said Warsaw. “We pray that God continues to bless our efforts, as we work in faith to be the newspaper of record for the Church in America.”

To view the the Register’s award please visit http://catholicism.about.com/od/Readers-Choice-Awards-2012/ss/2012-About-Catholicism-Readers-Choice-Awards-Winners_7.htm.

About EWTN:
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 30th year, is available in more than 200 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

About the National Catholic Register:
The National Catholic Register (www.NCRegister.com) provides its readers withtimely news reporting from across the United States, the Vatican, and around the world. As the newspaper of record for the Catholic Church in America, the Register and its online presence, NCRegister.com, have become America’s most complete and faithful Catholic news source. It is published bi-weekly, 26 issues per year. To find out more about the Register, go to: NCRegister.com/info/about_the_register To learn more about Register Radio, go to: NCRegister.com/RegisterRadio