Arkansas Catholic brought home four awards during the Catholic Media Conference June 9 in Baltimore. The Catholic Media Association recognized the newspaper for its editorial and feature writing.
Editor Malea Hargett earned second place for best editorial on a local issue in a weekly newspaper for its May 28, 2022, editorial “New bishop recognizes value of Catholic press.” Judges commented, “Thorough outline of individual’s contribution to and persuasive insights regarding the value of journalism.” She also earned an honorable mention for best editorial on a national or international issue for its Feb. 26, 2022, editorial “Churches can help destitute pay off debts.”
Freelancer Aprille Hanson-Spivey placed first for best in-depth news/special reporting for “Maybe it’s time to leave excess ‘Catholic guilt’ behind,” which ran in the Oct. 15 issue. Judges said, "The author’s ability to delineate the nebulous space between positive and negative manifestations of specific emotions as they relate to faith makes this piece stand out.”
She also earned second place for Best Reporting on Vocations to Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate for “Undivided Heart: Priests, religious make commitment to celibacy to live with ‘total dedication’” in the May 21, 2022, issue.
