Register recognized as one of top diocesan papers at Catholic Press Awards

The Tennessee Register was once again recognized as one of the top diocesan newspapers in the country by the Catholic Press Association at the annual Catholic Media Conference, held June 24-26 in Buffalo, N.Y. The CPA awards, announced June 26, recognized the best work of Catholic newspapers, magazines and books in 2014.
 
The Register received 10 awards total, including a First Place Award for General Excellence among newspapers with a circulation of 17,001 to 40,000.
 
The judges noted that: “The Tennessee Register was a very professional looking paper. The photos and graphic elements gave this publication a large circulation feel. …The Register reports the news of significance, opinion and inspiration in its pages.”
 
The entry, which recognized the work of staff members Rick Musacchio, Andy Telli, Theresa Laurence and Debbie Lane, included three consecutive issues of the paper with cover stories on the life of journalist and social justice advocate John Seigenthaler; the ordination of nine new priests; and a look at how the diocese’s smallest schools operate.
 
Since Musacchio was named editor in 1998, the Register also has won first place in General Excellence in 1999, 2011 and 2013.
 
“I am very happy that the Catholic Press Association has recognized the level of excellent work that our staff produces on a regular basis as we tell the story of Catholic life in Middle Tennessee,” said Rick Musacchio, editor of the Register and communications director for the Diocese of Nashville. 
 
The Register received two other first place awards.
 
• Managing Editor Andy Telli’s editorial “The antidote to violence is not more violence” won in the category for Best Editorial: Local Issue, among diocesan papers with a circulation of 17,001-40,000.
 
The judges noted: “With a clear argument connected to the facts of the capital punishment situation in Tennessee, this writer argues effectively for rescinding the death penalty. Mistakes clearly have been made and the death penalty is about retribution rather than restoration. Reminding readers of the demands of Catholic social teaching, the author situates this argument in the very credible structure of Catholic moral teaching on the dignity of life.”
 
• Rick Musacchio won first place for Best Photo Story Originating with a Newspaper: News photo story for “Ordination of dying seminarian reflects Paschal Mystery, says bishop.”
 
The judges noted: “Very well done. The story had all the elements including emotion, a good progression, detail shots.”
 
• Musacchio also won second place for Individual Excellence: Photographer, in a category that included all newspapers and magazines across the Catholic press. “All of the pictures captured a wide range of topics and used a variety of photography skills. There were portraits of people, action shots (e.g. the ice bucket dumping) and very personal and fleeting moments captured for larger audiences. All submissions from this photographer were impressive,” the judges said.
 
• Production Coordinator Debbie Lane won third place for Individual Excellence: Graphic Artist/Designer. The judges noted of her entry: “Very nice emphasis on both text and imagery to balance readers’ engagement. Very good photographic layout, ease of use.”
 
• Telli’s editorial “Report makes clear we lost our way in fight against terror,” received the second place award for Best Editorial: National/International issue among diocesan papers with a circulation of 17,001-40,000.
 
The judges noted: “At a time when the focus on those who have been beheaded is intense, this strongly worded editorial reminds readers that torture applies equally as an abomination to U.S. perpetrators. Concluding with a reminder from the Catechism, the author ends with the foundational teaching that must guide behavior.”
 
• Staff Writer Theresa Laurence’s  story “Local medical mission treats those ‘in the gap’” received a third place award for Best News Writing originating with the paper on a local or regional event, among diocesan papers with a circulation of 17,001-40,000.
 
The judges noted: “A big undertaking that was well covered. Lots of perspective about the need for such outreach, and the important role that the church community can play.”
 
• Telli’s story “John Seigenthaler lived his commitment to social justice” received third place for Best Personality Profile among diocesan papers with a circulation of 17,001-40,000.
 
The judges noted: “Excellent profile capturing the personality and accomplishments of the subject as well as the mark he made on the world.”
 
• Musacchio’s entry “Ordination of nine new priests,” received Third Place for Best Photo Story Originating with a Newspaper: News Photo Story
 
The judges noted: “Very little missing in this story. All the elements are there and all the photographs are very well done.”
 
• Telli’s series of stories on Amendment One won Third Place for Best Coverage of Local Politics. The judges noted that, “The successful effort to return control of abortion laws to the Tennessee Legislature is presented in well-written articles including the triumphant piece pointing out that the effort was successful.”