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.
