Catholic Media Association awards my work

In Atlantic City last night, the Catholic Media Association (of North America) announced its annual awards. I has honoured to receive five awards, including two first-place recognitions. In addition, the paper itself was named second-best in North America, colleagues Paul Schratz and Nick Elbers won several awards. I am most grateful. Thank you!

N564a: Best Analysis/ Background/Round-Up News Writing – The Gerard E. Sherry Award

– Diocesan Weekly

First Place

Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada

The B.C. Catholic

Terry O’Neill

This is a thoughtful and detailed examination of the management and oversight of the Medical Assistance in Dying program in British Columbia. The reporting spotlights significant con cerns and notable administrative shortcomings,and the writing clearly emphasizes the need for closer scrutiny.

N563c: Best Investigative News Writing – National Newspaper or Wire Service

Third Place

MAiD Unit, Forced onto St. Paul’s Campus, Now Operational

The B.C. Catholic [nb, this story was actually run by the Canadian Catholic News service, not the BC Catholic]

Terry O’Neill

Canadian Catholic has consistently run very strong investigations into MAiD and this one is no different. Especially well-done, considering how much silence there has been from all parties involved.

N563a: Best Investigative News Writing – Diocesan Weekly

Second place</p>

The B.C. Catholic

Terry O’Neill

This was a very well-investigated and sourced piece and shows tremendous understanding of the topic.

Third Place

Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada

The B.C. Catholic

Terry O’Neill

The content is extremely well-investigated and documented and said throughout the story. The format with the needle graphic was not great, it made the story difficult to continue to read and follow.

N561a: Best In-DepthNews/Special Reporting –Diocesan Weekly First Place

MAiD in Canada

The B.C. Catholic

Terry O’Neill

This investigation used FOIA requests to reveal irregularities in British Columbia’s MAiD, or assisted-suicide, program, including a conflict of interest in which the program’s director also heads its oversight unit. The effort represented persistence in the face of limited public disclo- sure about an important topic.