Catholic Accent team wins Catholic Media Association, Communicator, Telly and local awards

GREENSBURG – The Diocese of Greensburg’s multimedia platforms, under the direction of Bishop Larry J. Kulick, were recognized this spring with multiple honors from the Catholic Media Association (CMA), Communicator Awards, the Telly Awards and an Innovations Award from Mental Health of America of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

The CMA’s Catholic Press Awards honor the outstanding work of members who uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in their field and celebrate their excellence and creativity in sharing the Gospel message. More than 3,000 entries were received from around the world. The Telly Award, the highest honor for video and television, received more than 11,000 entries from around the world.

Catholic Media Association Awards

Advertising Business/Marketing Professional of the Year: First Place
Jennifer Miele, Chief Communications Officer and Managing Director of Evangelization
The judges said, “What a dynamic individual. She has a real heart for her work, and you can tell she puts her whole heart in it. Great work growing and maintaining audience and advertising sales.”

Communications Director of the Year: Second Place
Robin Mull, Director of Marketing
The judges described Mull as a well-rounded candidate who touches all aspects of communications and grows everything she touches. “She helped 78 parishes develop social media identities. That’s no small feat. Her influence directly translates to increased resources across the board – 233 new volunteers, a 5% increase in offertory and increased school enrollment through social and print ads.”

Graphic Artist/Designer of the Year: Second Place
John Zylka, Director of Visual Communications
The judges said Zylka’s skilled work displays versatility and energy. “The design of the pages are clear and vibrant, and the images quickly draw the reader into the page.”

Multimedia Journalist of the Year
Mary Seamans, Multimedia Coordinator
The judges said Seamans’ business marketing success was impressive. “Her graphic design and social media presence make her a stand-out journalist and one that should be commended,” they added.

Best Diocesan Printed Fundraising Appeal Produced by a Communications Department Staff: First Place
Sharing our Gifts: Diocesan Lenten Appeal
John Zylka, Robin Mull, Beth Tallentire, Cliff Gorski, Jordan Whiteko, Jennifer Miele, Mary Seamans, Paul Puleo, Mike Lucotch, Monsignor Raymond E. Riffle, Bishop Larry J. Kulick.
The judges said, “The complexity and insightful design and roll-out of this appeal made it stand out above the rest.”

Best Diocesan Pastoral Message – Letter: First Place
Donum Libertatis: The Gift of Freedom
Bishop Larry J. Kulick

The judges said, “Such a beautiful position articulated so clearly to instruct believers in how to formulate political decisions as opposed to what positions to hold. The ability to support the process and not a candidate in elections is the power of this piece.”

Best Coverage on Catholic Education: Honorable Mention
The Catholic Accent: Catholic Schools Edition

Telly Awards

“KNOW HIM: the Last Supper,” an immersive event for the faithful held at Christ Our Shepherd Center, Greensburg, in March, was the winner of two Telly Silver Awards, one for non-broadcast film and video production in the category of directing, and the other in the category of religious and spirituality. “The Catholic Accent” television program “The Young Church” won a Bronze Telly Award. The program focused on young Catholics and their faith experiences in the Church.

The Communicator Awards

The Communicator Awards is dedicated to recognizing excellence, effectiveness and innovation across all areas of communication. With more than 5,000 entries globally, the award is given to those who bring clear and impactful storytelling to the forefront that transcends craftwork that made a lasting impact. This year, the “The Catholic Accent” television program received Awards of Distinction for the November 2002 program “Symbols of Christmas.” The staff of “The Catholic Accent” won the awards in the categories of Videography & Cinematography, Voiceover & Narration, Religion/Spirituality, scriptwriting and editing. “The Catholic Accent” television program “The Young Church” won an Award of Distinction in General – Youth Audience and editing.        

Mental Health Alliance of Southwestern Pennsylvania 2023 Media Excellence Award
The Catholic Accent
The 2023 Innovator Award was given to The Catholic Accent for promoting and connecting social services to those in need and for sparking the interest in the link between mental and spiritual health.