UDC Digital Media Students Gain Insight from Multimedia Industry Veteran Kimatni Rawlins (466 hits)

UDC Digital Media Students Gain Insight from Multimedia
Industry Veteran Kimatni Rawlins
University of the District of Columbia (UDC) digital media students recently had
the unique opportunity to learn from a leading figure in the automotive and
multimedia industries. Kimatni D. Rawlins, a multimedia journalist and founder of
the HBCU Driving Force Multimedia Internship program, visited the campus to
share his extensive experience and insights.
Rawlins, President and Publisher of Automotive Rhythms Communications, LLC,
and host and executive producer of ARtvLive, boasts a three-decade career in
automotive media. His company, Automotive Rhythms, is a multi-faceted digital
media and marketing portal that goes beyond traditional car reviews. It cleverly
integrates automotive content with music, sports, fashion, travel, and art, creating a
unique and engaging experience for its audience.
“We’re not just reviewing cars,” Rawlins explained to the students. “We're
building a community around the automotive experience, using multiple media
platforms to reach consumers meaningfully.” This holistic approach resonated
strongly with the students, highlighting the importance of cross-platform strategy
in today's digital landscape.
“His work and (valuable) advice inspired me to step up my game and to aspire for
even greater than I originally planned for my career. I hope to learn more from you
in the future!” said Darrion Beckles, digital media major.
Rawlins’ presentation highlighted the evolution of Automotive Rhythms, from its
beginnings to its current status as a leading voice in the automotive world. He
shared how his company uses a variety of content formats – from insightful
columns and videos to engaging social media campaigns and impactful events – to
reach a diverse audience. He emphasized the importance of understanding
different consumer demographics and tailoring messaging accordingly.
His work extends beyond Automotive Rhythms. Rawlins also hosts and produces
ARtvLive, a successful video program that has reached millions of homes through
partnerships with major networks like Comcast and Viacom. His experience in
television production provided valuable insight for students interested in pursuing
video journalism careers.
The visit also touched upon Rawlins' commitment to fostering diversity within the
media industry. As the founder of the HBCU Driving Force Multimedia Internship
program, he actively works to create opportunities for students from Historically
Black Colleges and Universities. This commitment inspired UDC students,
emphasizing the importance of representation and inclusion in media.
The Q&A session following the presentation allowed students to engage directly
with Rawlins, asking insightful questions about career paths, industry trends, and
the challenges of navigating the competitive media landscape. His candid
responses and practical advice, such as the importance of perseverance and the
need for continuous learning, left a lasting impact on aspiring digital media
professionals, empowering them for their future careers.
Overall, Rawlins' visit served as an invaluable learning experience for UDC's
digital media students. His inspiring journey, coupled with his practical advice,
not only equipped them with the knowledge but also ignited a new level of
motivation to pursue their own successful careers in the dynamic world of
multimedia journalism. The session underscored the importance of creativity,
adaptability, and community building in navigating the ever-evolving digital media
landscape.