Meet Washington DC’s new alumni chapter leader — Larry Miller
Larry Miller is an award-winning morning and midday anchor at WUSA9 in Washington DC — and a proud RIAS Berlin Commission alumnus. Miller has been an enthusiastic support of the alumni network for the last three years and recently agreed to the honorary position as Washington DC Chapter Leader.
It’s a difficult and sometimes thankless task bringing together RIAS participants from a variety of programs over the last 30 years in a busy city filled with so many other distractions but the indefatigable Miller is enthusiastic about developing the DC alumni network into the best in the world. Before moving to highly competitive Washington DC TV market, Miller worked as an anchor and reporter in Medford, Oregon and Birmingham, Alabama. We recently had the chance to talk to Miller about his hopes and plans for the Washington DC alumni chapter — which will also be hosting a big alumni gathering in late October 2022 for about 30 German alumni.
You’re the new chapter leader of the Washington DC RIAS alumni chapter. Is that an honor or a burden?
Larry Miller: I am thrilled to help lead the Washington DC RIAS Alumni Chapter. I have a lot of ideas for our chapter but it’s important to me that all of our alumni feel connected to RIAS and to the chapter. So, over the next few weeks, we’ll be spending time reaching out and engaging our alumni to get a better sense of what they want and how RIAS can help. Given the professionals within our chapter, it’s critical that RIAS expand and innovate to help journalists in various stages of their career while maintaining the foundation by which RIAS is built upon. I’m looking forward to the future and what we’ll do together.
Why did you agree to take on this assignment?
Larry Miller: I agreed to take on this assignment because I honestly feel RIAS has enriched my life and reginited by enthusiasm about journalism. When I applied to RIAS, I was looking for an experience that would get me thinking more globally, introduce me to new people, and provide an experience that would test me both emotionally and physically. I found all of those things in RIAS, it’s staff, and the fellows with whom I would spend two weeks touring Germany and other European countries with. I felt compelled to accept the role as leader of the Washington RIAS Alumni Chapter because I feel a sense of responsibility to make sure this organization and the alumni chapter is well functioning and supportive in the way it was and has been for me.
You’ve organized some incredible visits to your WUSA9 station for visiting RIAS journalists – putting in a lot of effort to line up several editors/journalists/anchors as guest speakers – and even getting a catered lunch for them. Why do you put so much heart and soul into RIAS?
Larry Miller
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I want people, especially RIAS fellows, to feel special when they visit WUSA 9 or DC in general. I remember how organized and welcoming people were to my fellowship group when we visited. I feel a standard has been set and it’s my responsibility to extend that same level of courteousness to the next group. Kindness and hospitality should always be passed on!
How do you see the future of the RIAS alumni chapter in Washington DC?
Larry Miller: My hope for the Washington Alumni Chapter is to create and organize effective programming that serves our alumni interests and enriches their professional lives. We need to be in the business of doing substantive programming where people feel they are walking away smarter and better connected to the organization. When people feel like their membership provides unique benefits and opportunities that can’t be replicated anywhere else, I believe they’ll view chapter events not as a chore but as something they simply cannot miss out on.
Do you have any events planned?
Larry Miller: Right now, we are in the process of assessing the needs of our membership. We recently sent an email asking for feedback and suggestions on programming. Once that information is compiled, it will dictate how we move forward. I believe we have to be mission driven and focused in our programming. Give the alumni what they both want and need.
How do you see the future of the RIAS chapter in Washington? What could be better?Larry Miller
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I envision the Washington RIAS Alumni chapter being one to rival. I see us coordinating events that are smart, fun, and well-attended. Achieving that goal, however, will take direction and most importantly clarity on our part. Everything we do has to be purposeful. People know when you’re putting bullshit together just for the sake of it. So, once we’re clear on the intention, I believe everything else will fall into place appropriately.
What’s your favorite part about RIAS?
Larry Miller: The people. Hands down. Everyone has an interesting story to tell and when we’re all together it’s like we’ve been friends for a lifetime.
What’s your least favorite part?Larry Miller: Worst Part about RIAS? I wish we had more time together and more time to explore together as a group.
