DAVAO CITY (PIA)– The esteemed Archbishop Thibault Media Awards (ATMA) is now open for entries from journalists, photojournalists, and media professionals across print, broadcast, and online platforms, celebrating outstanding contributions to ethical and socially impactful journalism.
Named in honor of Archbishop Clovis Thibault, the awards champion Catholic values and ethical reporting, recognizing journalistic excellence across various mediums.
Fr. Ritsche Gamaya, director of the Archdiocesan Commission on Communications Mass Media, said that to qualify, entrants must be active for at least one year within print, broadcast (radio or television), or online news outlets during the designated search period. Each entry must reflect rigorous professional standards, with submitted proof of publication, whether digital, scanned, or recorded formats as required per category.The awards span a comprehensive set of categories, each spotlighting distinct societal issues through the lens of Catholic teachings and values. These include, among others:
Laudato Si Award – For impactful stories on environmental care and protection, particularly those affecting vulnerable communities
Fratelli Tutti Award– Honoring work that fosters social friendship, fraternity, and peace.
Familiaris Consortio Award– Celebrating reporting on the role and respect of family within society.
Communio et Progressio Award – Recognizing excellence in photojournalism that captures significant social realities.
Additionally, exclusive awards honor parish social communications teams (Inter Mirifica Award) and campus journalism efforts (Christus Vivit Award) that champion youth participation in the Church and society.
Entries will be judged based on Content (50%), Style (25%), and Social Impact (25%)
Stories must adhere to responsible journalism standards, showcasing accurate, fair, and balanced reporting. An emphasis on relevance, clarity, and engagement, coupled with demonstrable social impact, will be key considerations in the evaluation process.
Submissions are open to works produced and published between January 2023 and September 2024.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their entries, alongside necessary forms and identification, to the official Thibault Media Awards email. The search period for entries spans from, October 2024 to March 2025, with the submission deadline set for March 15, 2025.
For additional information, eligibility details, and submission guidelines, interested individuals can email [email protected] or visit our Facebook Page, Archbishop Thibault Media Awards.(eti with reports from ATMA)
