Meritorious Award Presented to Concord Alumnus and Team

James Riley graduated in the spring of 2016 with a degree in Communication Arts.
Photo By James Riley

Concord University is known for its rigorous academics, and James Riley, Concord Alumnus, proves that it works. Riley graduated in the spring of 2016 with a B.A. in Communication Arts with an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism.

    Riley and his team achieved the Meritorious Award for the Best Website from the Virginia’s Associated Press for Large-Market Television Stations on April 1. Although Riley is extremely grateful to earn this award, he states that everyone played a role. “... This was a team effort. I’m proud to know that my contributions have been recognized, but I also realize this is not a chance to become complacent. The reward in this is knowing that it’s possible and that it’s just the beginning.”

    Jessica Doty, professor in the Division of Fine Arts, describes Riley as a professional. “James was willing to learn and listen. He was honest with himself when he wasn’t performing to his potential,” she says. It’s clear that Riley’s hard-work is paying off.

    His education from Concord really helped him to achieve this award. “At Concord, I learned the importance of getting information out in a timely manner, I can thank Jessica Doty for that. I also must credit Dr. Williams and Professor Akers for making sure the information I put out is accurate. I will say that although I didn’t get much web training at school, the program prepared me to adapt quickly,” states Riley.

    Doty works in both the professional and academic fields of journalism; as a result, she has also learned how to adapt as the journalism field changes and implements that into the classroom. “I often incorporate these new ways to report and produce into my classes. Students should understand that this field is changing and they will need to continue to adapt. In order to stay competitive, students need to understand they need to know what’s going on around them,” states Doty.

    This award shows that Riley and his team can adapt and make a website worthy of a prestigious award. “...I know your website has to stand out from the competition while maintaining engaging and accurate content. As the digital content producer, I’m part of the web team that’s responsible for managing our website as well as social media platforms,” states Riley.

    It goes without saying that Doty is extremely proud of Riley for this accomplishment he achieved with his team. “I’m so very proud to see James part of a team that was recently honored with an award. I think this is just the beginning for his work,” she states.

    The biggest advice that Riley gives aspiring broadcasters and journalists would be to network and create relationships with professors. “...They have taught several people throughout the years who go on to become successful. Sometimes they keep in touch with those people and can introduce you to them, potentially landing you a job,” states Riley.

    Doty weighs in by saying that she tries to keep in touch with graduates. “It’s critical that they continue to know their abilities and believe in their work. In this business, it’s important to have a mentor throughout your career. They need someone they can trust,” she states.

    Not only does she try and keep in touch with graduates, but she wants students that are here now to create good habits. “[This is] because their education at Concord is only the foundation, solid foundation, for their future. It’s up to the graduates to determine how the future of broadcasting, media, and journalism will look.”

    She also says initiative and determination over excuses is vital. “Students have to learn to take the initiative to finish reports or projects. As professionals, they will have to overcome a variety of challenges for every production or story they share. In order to succeed, they have to learn to find a way to overcome the challenges rather than use them as an excuse. Students should take pride in their work and feel confident as they move into the professional field. All of the instructors in Concord’s program help to encourage students to be the best communicator or media professional they can be.”