CHICAGO—Members of the 109-year-old Catholic Press  Association have recently voted to change its name to Catholic Media Association.

 

The Observer is a long time member of the association.

 

While the mission of Catholic communicators has remained the same over the past century, the methods of delivery have expanded well beyond the printing press.

 

“Our members specialize not only in writing, photojournalism and layout, but also in social media, podcasting, web design, video and communications. Our membership is as diverse as the platforms we inhabit,” said J.D. Long-García, president of the association in a letter to announce the change. He is senior editor of America magazine.

 

“An overwhelming number of members — around 90 percent — approved both the name change and the addition of the communication membership class,” he continued.

 

The new membership class recognizes the merger of the former CPA with the Catholic Academy a few years ago.

 

The academy included Catholic radio, television and film professionals, as well as communication directors for dioceses, religious orders and other Catholic groups. The Observer was also an Academy member.

 

The CPA membership has included Catholic newspaper, magazine, newsletter and book publishing professionals. 

 

“Over the next year,” Long-García said, “the association will develop the brand, reach out to new media members and build upon our rich history.”

 

In its final year, the CPA gave 18 awards to media work from the Diocese of Rockford Communication Office, the English paper, The Observer, and the Spanish paper, El Observador.

 

— Sharon Boehlefeld, features editor