Archbishop Timothy Cardinal Dolan | Archdiocese of New York

Rachel Sheehan, 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,’ securing first place, second place, and an honorable mention.

Launched in November 2022, The Good Newsroom was developed to replace a well-regarded bi-weekly print publication. Key to the success of the new entity has been the 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 crucial for the archdiocese given its location in New York City.

The Good Newsroom earned first place for coverage of ‘Our Lady of Guadalupe,’ a major Mexican Catholic cultural event in New York City. This 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 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 those less fortunate. Given that many served speak Spanish, stories for this series were published in both English and Spanish. An honorable mention was also received for a series about a new Catholic Education and Family Center at St. Philip Neri School and Parish in the Bronx.

Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, endorsed the change to a more modern communications platform that now publishes his daily homilies, messages, and videos. “We launched to reach more people and to reach them more quickly. I’m grateful to the Catholic Media Association for recognizing our team for its high-quality work. Their stories about the Catholic faith in action are all there for people to see,” he said.

A video ad featuring Cardinal Dolan announcing an app early in 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 ‘Best Website – Diocesan’ for its mobile-friendly website which has received over 420,000 visitors to date and whose app has been downloaded over 11,000 times. Stories are also published through social media channels and an e-newsletter.

Additionally, The Good Newsroom earned second place in ‘Best Media Kit 2023.’ Monsignor Joseph P. LaMorte, Vicar General at the Archdiocese of New York, supported this transition: “We chartered new waters with our digital newsroom to better evangelize. I’m very pleased with how our efforts have been recognized on a national level.”

Part of The Good Newsroom's mission is creating a welcoming media environment for all audiences. With over 2,000 stories published in 2023—many in Spanish—the aim is ensuring Hispanic Catholics have access to information and news. Its Instagram account has seen considerable growth as well.

Bishop Joseph Espaillat emphasized inclusivity: “We are working to ensure that all Catholics feel they belong to the community we have created. People need information in a language they understand.” He added that young people are critical: “Young people are the ‘now of God,’ so we have to publish on channels they use.”

To learn more about The Good Newsroom's initiatives visit www.theGoodNewsroom.org.