Father James Korda wins lifetime achievement award from the Catholic Media Association
“Youngstown legend” Reverend James Korda received a lifetime achievement award, announced Bishop David J. Bonnar of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown.
Rev. Korda worked for thirty years as a priest of the local diocese and president of the Catholic Telecommunications Network of Youngstown (CTNY).
During the June 8 Catholic Media Conference in Baltimore, Father Korda received the Gabriel Award for Personal and Lifetime Achievement, recognizing his “pioneering career in radio and television ministry.”
Pioneer in radio, TV ministry
Rev. Korda accepted the award during the ceremony, thanking the Catholic Media Association, the Diocese of Youngstown and all his mentors and colleagues.
“With our stories, we have the privilege of building a better world,” he said. “Through our efforts, and with an ecumenical attitude and spirit, we witnessed to the God who nurtures, calls and unites us all.”
Father Korda joined CTNY as a producer in 1985, eventually working his way to becoming the company’s president and President of the (then) Ecumenical Telecommunications Coalition of Northeast Ohio.
“Through his career and ministry, Father Korda has bridged generations,” said Justin Huyck, director of communications for the Diocese of Youngstown. “Just as he helped CTNY realize its potential in radio and television, building on those before him, I am grateful for the ways he is accompanying our department of communications as we transition from CTNY to The Catholic Echo as an integrated multimedia brand, inclusive of broadcast, digital and print.”
“He’s respected both nationally and right here at home as a priest and communicator,” said Bishop Bonnar. “I am grateful to Father Korda for his pioneering work in proclaiming the Gospel and for his legacy of communicating the compassionate love of God with innovation and joy.”
After retiring in 2022, he’s still hosting the award-winning radio program Wineskins.
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This story was originally published June 13, 2023 at 4:00 AM.