June 27, 2024
Catholic Diocese of Richmond Earns Six Media Awards
Bishop Barry C. Knestout’s “Christ Our Hope” Column Honored
RICHMOND, Va. – The Catholic Diocese of Richmond’s Office of Communications and its news outlet, The Catholic Virginian, were recognized on the national level with six awards and two honorable mentions for its contributions in Catholic communications and journalism this year. Overall, the diocese was awarded two first-place honors; two second-place wins; two third-place recognitions, and two accolades for honorable mention at the conclusion of the 2024 Catholic Media Conference held June 18-21 in Atlanta.
Bishop Barry C. Knestout’s “Christ Our Hope” column featured in The Catholic Virginian was awarded second place in the category of Best Regular Column by a Bishop or Archbishop. The judges applauded the column describing it as “great writing” with analysis that “addresses a cutting-edge, important topic and greatly informs the reader.” One column from the May 2023 issue focused on Use of AI.
First place awards went to the communications team for Best Use of Video on Social Media in an Ongoing Series for its dedicated work on the National Eucharistic Revival. Reviewers called the project “unforgettable” as the series highlighted several Catholic students from colleges across the state sharing their views on the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
Catholic Virginian Editor Lily Nguyen received first place honors for her headline writing (Ale-vangelizing in the community) for a story about a priest’s unique work to engage a Petersburg community to meet people where they are – in this case, a brewery.
The diocese also received multiple award-winning placement for its coverage of the 2023 World Youth Day (WYD) in Portugal. Michael Mickle, freelance photographer for the diocese, received a second-place nod in a national and international event category for his photography of Bishop Knestout during the Rise Up Encounters for WYD catechesis.
Diocesan communications brought home honors for best use of photos on social media through its “Postcards from Portugal” series. Judges called it “great text, beautiful photos, and good engagement.” An honorable mention also went to Best Photography of a scenic view for WYD in Santarem, Portugal.
The Catholic Virginian won a journalism award for Best Personality Profile for freelance writer Joe Staniunas’ coverage of an Augusta County blacksmith who uses his skills for his faith. The diocesan bi-weekly paper also captured an honorable mention in the Best Newspaper Non-Weekly category.
The annual Catholic Media Conference (CMC) and awards ceremony brings Catholic communicators, writers, broadcasters and publications together to honor excellence of Catholic content in portraying Catholic teachings, values and stories in a compelling and authentic manner.
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