EWTN Achieves Landmark Recognition at 2026 Catholic Media Awards with Over 75 Honors

EWTN's Triumph at the 2026 Catholic Media Awards

EWTN Global Catholic Network has recently made headlines for its impressive performance at the 2026 Catholic Media Awards, garnering over 75 distinctions, which included a remarkable 30 first-place awards. This extraordinary achievement underscores the network's mission and dedication to serving the Catholic community worldwide.

The recognition, announced during the conference held in Atlantic City from June 16 to 19, shines a spotlight on EWTN's extensive coverage of pivotal events that shaped the Catholic Church in 2025. Among these noteworthy stories were the death of Pope Francis, the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, and the ongoing plight of persecuted Christians globally. Michael P. Warsaw, the Chairman of the Board and CEO of EWTN, spoke passionately about this accomplishment, stating, "These honors reflect the extraordinary dedication of our teams across television, radio, digital, print, and news media, who work every day to create opportunities for people around the world to encounter Jesus Christ and His Church."

Each of EWTN's divisions—EWTN Digital, EWTN Studios, EWTN Publishing, and EWTN News—contributed to the awards haul, showcasing the network's versatility in multimedia storytelling from social media and video production to book and newspaper publishing. Award-winning highlights included the live coverage from St. Peter's Square titled "Living the Moment After the Habemus Papam," which captured the momentous occasion of Pope Leo XIV's election and earned accolades for social media video.

Notably, EWTN's commitment to both English and Spanish language journalism was evident, reflecting its dedication to reaching a diverse audience. Particularly commendable was EWTN News' special report titled "Before Francis, Who Was Bergoglio?" which won first place in the category for Best Video on hot topics related to Pope Francis. Moreover, EWTN's multimedia package from the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) also took home top honors for being both educational and engaging.

Daniel Ibáñez, EWTN's esteemed papal photographer, was awarded the title of "Photographer of the Year," honoring his work that not only captures pivotal moments in the Catholic Church but also resonates with audiences deeply. Additionally, Debbie Cowden from EWTN Digital won recognition as the "Social Media Professional of the Year," highlighting the network's innovative approaches to engaging the community in discussions about faith.

Montse Alvarado, President of EWTN News, expressed pride at the awards, stating, "It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by our peers for excellence in Catholic journalism and storytelling. The past year marked a defining moment not only for EWTN News but for the global Church, as we helped audiences navigate the historic passing of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV." This acknowledgment reflects EWTN's position as a leading voice in the Catholic media landscape and its commitment to insightful storytelling that resonates with a wide audience.

In the realm of award-winning programming, EWTN Studios' heartwarming romantic-comedy series, "James the Less," won first place for Best Video for Digital Media, further showcasing the network's commitment to quality entertainment that aligns with its mission. Their documentary "Christians Fight to Survive ISIS in Iraq" received accolades as well, emphasizing EWTN's dedication to covering crucial issues affecting religious communities in challenging situations.

EWTN continues to make strides not only in its broadcasting capabilities—offering 11 global TV channels in multiple languages—but also in its publishing and digital platforms, reinforcing its reputation as the largest Catholic media organization worldwide. As EWTN moves forward, it remains committed to strengthening the bonds of faith and providing comprehensive coverage of the Catholic Church's journey, ensuring that its viewers and listeners remain informed and engaged.

As reflected in the numerous honors awarded at this year’s conference, EWTN sets a high bar for Catholic media, illustrating the power of faith-driven storytelling that reaches across borders and cultures. To explore the commendable work of EWTN and view the full list of its award-winning projects, visit EWTN News.

EWTN looks forward to continuing its mission and enhancing the narrative of the Catholic Church across its various platforms, striving for excellence and innovation as it serves the faithful.