Archbishop Timothy Cardinal Dolan | Archdiocese of New York

Rachel Sheehan, the digital newsroom of the Archdiocese of New York, has been recognized for work published in 2023 by the Associated Church Press (ACP). The newsroom team swept the category of “Video – News Story or Current Event” in the ACP 2023 “Best of the Church Press” awards. The category recognizes outstanding use of video and film, and reporters took home first place, second place, and an honorable mention.

This is the second time the media outlet has dominated a single awards category, having recently earned recognition from the Catholic Media Association for its work in “Best Multimedia Package Series.” Both organizations also recognized its website.

Launched in November 2022, it was developed to replace a well-regarded bi-weekly print publication. Key to the success of the new entity would be 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. This is critical for the archdiocese given its location in the media capital of the world and its mission of reaching over 2.5 million Catholics in the New York area.

Videos recognized by the ACP are representative of the high-caliber stories created by the newsroom team.

Mary Shovlain, Lead Content Producer, earned an Award of Excellence (first place) for “Rosary and Cannolis: A Sweet Incentive for Students to Join in School Rosary.” The video story included coverage of Iona Preparatory School’s “Rosary and Cannolis” monthly rosary program, where students are encouraged to pray together and receive a cannoli for attending. After 65 students attended the first prayer service, the high school turned it into a monthly event.

Fernanda Pierorazio, Assistant Director, Media, earned an Award of Merit for “Miles de flores honran a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe – Thousands of flowers honor Our Lady of Guadalupe.” This Spanish-language feature focuses on the cultural significance of floral arrangements created to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe, a major Mexican Catholic cultural event in New York City.

Patrick Grady, Videographer/Content Producer, earned an Honorable Mention for “Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center Celebrates the Christmas Season with Children’s Pageant,” his video story about the annual children’s Christmas pageant at Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, made the decision to found it and uses its digital channels to promote his own videos, statements, and articles. "It has been a great success," said Cardinal Dolan. "Thank you to the Associated Church Press for recognizing our new communications platform. The stories highlight what is important to us: Catholic schools' works, charities, parishes, people, and our role in communities."

It was also awarded an Honorable Mention in “Website Redesign” from ACP. Initially designed to demonstrate a quick publishing model showcasing stories posted throughout each day; however after less than a year it was clear that a new navigation design was needed. In 2023 this initial simple website design was updated ensuring visitors could easily access all content categories on The Good Newsroom.

Rachel Sheehan stated: "To keep current with our brand's mission and users' needs it is important to revisit website strategy frequently."

The news entity also publishes through an app social media channels weekly e-newsletter thousands interact with these channels each month.

Visit www.theGoodNewsroom.org for more information.