May 14, 2014 / 14:24 pm
EWTN Global Catholic Network and its news show EWTN News Nightly have won two Gabriel Awards in recognition of their uplifting work, including one for religious television station of the year.
Michael P. Warsaw, EWTN Chairman of the Board and CEO, said the network is "honored" that the Catholic Academy of Communication Professionals recognized EWTN and its employees.
"We look forward to another 33 years of helping to bring the world to Christ and His Church," he said.
Doug Keck, president and chief operation officer of EWTN, said May 14 the award "acknowledges the years of hard work by dedicated Catholic media professionals who are truly playing their part in the 'new evangelization'."
One Gabriel Award recognized EWTN as religious television station of the year for its total programming and community service. Another Gabriel Award recognized the network's news show EWTN News Nightly for best single news story series in a national release.
The Gabriel Awards recognize broadcasters and programs that "uplift and nourish the human spirit," the awards website says.
"A Gabriel-worthy film or program affirms the dignity of human persons; it recognizes and upholds universally recognized human values such as community, creativity, tolerance, justice, compassion and the dedication to excellence," said the Gabriel Awards.
EWTN News Nightly won a Gabriel Award for its report on Saint Jerome Academy in Hyattsville, Md., which focused on the primary school's classical curriculum. Wyatt Goolsby was the reporter for the story.
"As someone whose confirmation saint is the angel Gabriel, it feels great to be a Gabriel award winner," Goolsby said.
He praised the work of photographer Tom Haller, saying he "went above and beyond" in working to report on the school.
"We were more than happy to feature their classical curriculum which is setting the standard for Catholic schools across the country," Goolsby said. "I thank the teachers, students, parents, and staff for being so welcome to EWTN and our team. This award affirms the hard work they do every day."
EWTN News Nightly, anchored by Brian Patrick, airs weekdays at 6 p.m. Eastern Time.
In 2013 EWTN provided coverage of 148 papal events and 138 live events. It broadcast 30 original series and 21 international series.
"We have assembled the hardest working television team it has ever been my pleasure to work with," Keck said.
EWTN Global Catholic Network, the largest religious media network in the world, has been broadcasting for 33 years. It reaches 230 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. It also reaches a wide audience through its radio broadcasts, website, print news services and publishing arm.
The Gabriel Awards' sponsor, the Catholic Academy of Communication Professionals, is made up of diocesan communications directors and communications professionals involved in Catholic Church dioceses, ministries, religious orders and other organizations.
The awards are open to media producers of all faiths and to both secular and religious broadcasters and producers in the U.S. and Canada.
The Gabriel Awards will be presented June 19 at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel in Charlotte, N.C.