Diocesan Communications Efforts Win CMA, Communicator and Telly Awards

The Catholic Accent

GREENSBURG-JULY 27, 2022 – The Diocese of Greensburg’s television, magazine and social media platforms, under the direction of Bishop Larry J. Kulick, were recognized this spring with multiple honors from the Catholic Media Association (CMA), The Communicator Awards and the Telly Awards.

The CMA awards acknowledge outstanding efforts by Catholic communicators as they work to share the mission of the Church across North America.

The Communicator Awards is the largest and most competitive awards program honoring creative excellence for communications professionals by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts. This year, over 4,000 entries were received from around the world. The Diocese of Greenburg received five Awards of Excellence, the highest honor.

The Telly Awards is the highest honor for video and television content across all screens. This year, more than 11,000 entries were submitted from around the world.

Catholic Media Association Awards

Best Use of Video on Social Media, second place
Bishop Kulick and the Diocesan communications team were honored for “Best Use of Video on Social Media” for the weeklong series, “We Remember: To commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11.” The series served as a tribute to victims, families and first responders. Honored  along with Bishop Kulick were Jennifer Miele, Chief Communications Officer and Managing Director of Evangelization; Mary Seamans, Multimedia Journalist; Jordan Whiteko, Multimedia Content Editor; Beth Tallentire, Editor;  John Zylka, Visual Communications Director; Robin Mull, Marketing Director; and Jerry Zufelt, retired Editor of The Catholic Accent. The judges’ comments included: ”Excellent concept of a week-long memorial. Well executed. A nice mix of recollections and facts. Collectively, these videos serve as a wonderful tribute to the victims and the heroes of 9/11.”

Best Web and Print Package, second place
The Bishop and the communications team were honored for the Top Student Campaign, also known as the St. Pope John Paul II Tuition Opportunity Partnership. The strategically marketed print and web campaign resulted in over 900 students applying for financial aid and a 20% increase in enrollment, the largest in North America. Honored were Bishop Kulick, Miele, Seamans, Whiteko, Tallentire,

Zylka and Mull, as well as Cliff Gorski, Executive Editor; Dr. Maureen Marsteller, former Superintendent of  Catholic Schools; and Monsignor Raymond E. Riffle, Vicar General. In making award, the judges said, ”A different kind of entry than most of the applicants in this category, this entry stands out for uniting disparate print and digital content to promote a single campaign.

Good-quality multimedia enhances a traditional, good-quality print publication.”

Best Special Issue, third place

The award-winning Faith and Food: A Clergy Cookbook featured family stories and recipes from members of the clergy in the Diocese of Greensburg. The cookbook served as a fundraiser for the International Priest Program. Bishop Kulick, Zylka, Miele and The Catholic Accent team were honored. The judges said, “How fun! Very creative design, too. Enjoyed the recipes and articles. Great theme. AND it’s a keeper — long shelf life!”

Marketing Professional of the Year, first runner-up
In honoring Miele, the judges said, “Great examples of work and can see the care as a team member.”

2022 Communicator Awards

Award of Excellence
The award was given for the effectiveness of the integrated marketing campaign for the Missions of Faith Appeal. The appeal help the Diocesan Mission Office fund post-pandemic projects in our home communities, third world countries, and all places in between. Honorees were Bishop Kulick, Miele, Mull, Zylka, Whiteko, Seamans, Tallentire and Valerie Rodell, Editor.

Editing (Craft Category), Award of Excellence
The award honored The Catholic Accent staff for “The Accent on-Air: The Wonder of the Nativity.”

Audio/Sound Design (Craft Category), Award of Excellence

The award honored The Catholic Accent staff for “The Accent on Air: Grow in the Lord.”

Religion/Spirituality for Film, Video or Television, Award of Distinction

The team was honored for “The Accent on Air: Grow in the Lord.”

Causes and Awareness, Award of Excellence

This award for Faith and Food: A Clergy Cookbook honored Miele, Zylka and The Catholic Accent staff.

Integrated Marketing Campaign, Award of Excellence

 The award for the TOP Student Program honored The Catholic Accent staff.

Collateral-Program/Event Guide, Award of Excellence

The award honored the staff of The Catholic Accent for the event program for Prayer and Perfect Pairings, a fundraiser for the International Priest Program. 

2022 Telly Awards

“The Accent on Air: The Wonder of the Nativity” was a bronze winner in three categories Telly Awards categories: Television Writing, Use of Stock Footage and Religious/Spiritual. “The Wonder of the Nativity” featured stories about the Nativity and its importance in our homes during the Christmas season. The program included an interview with Bishop Kulick about a Nativity scene from Italy that he received as a Communion gift his grandparents, highlighted nearly 50 Nativity scenes collected by Monsignor Riffle, and explained the significance of the angels, shepherds and animals depicted in Nativity scenes.