Emory R. Walton III
Class of:
1998
Current Occupation/Field of Work:
Vice President, Distribution at A+E Networks (A&E, History, and Lifetime networks).
In his current role, Walton is one of A+E Network’s distribution team leaders, overseeing business strategy and relationships with U.S. and Caribbean based distributors. In addition, he is responsible for distribution strategies across an array of platforms, which includes VOD, digital, and authenticated content rights.
Work Experience
Walton has been with A+E for over 14 years, starting his career as an Assistant in Affiliate Sales and then advancing to Account Representative followed by Account Manager and Account Director. In these roles, he managed sales and marketing, demographic research, and contributed to the launch strategy for History en Español securing the network’s first carriage deal.
Why did you choose Comm Studies as your major?
I wanted to have career working in the forefront of media and communication focusing on content creation and distribution.
Favorite UCLA memory and/or professor
Attending "The Superhighway Summit" in 1994 where Vice President Al Gore and Prof Jeffery Cole introduced the internet to the world.
How has Comm Studies empowered you in your professional and personal life?
The Comm Studies professors and team provided me with a strong knowledge base along with the highest level of support that has provided me with the self-awareness and confidence to sustain a meaningful and successful career.
What was the most valuable or applicable lesson you learned from a Comm Studies class?
From Comm 10 - "Media doesn't tell you what to think; it tells you what to think about"
What advice would you give to a current Comm Studies student?
Take a multi-decisional approach to your learning. Don't just seek to thrive in the classroom and get the highest GPA. Get yourself out there, do internships, and network. Find opportunities to practice what you're learning in the classroom in real-time. Take time to identify and learn about your core values so you can align them with your career aspirations.This will all help to pave path to success for you after you graduate.
Fun facts, interests, hobbies
I enjoy international travel as it's one thing to experience "globalization" vicariously via the internet and media platforms, and another to have the first-hand experiences and connections with people.
I also run a website (Scare-Zone.com) that's focused on haunted attractions and scary movies. Yes, it is a little strange; but it's really a fun and creative outlet that allows me and my team to personally experiment with different online and social media platforms. It's also popular with the genre's fans and celebrities such as Wes Craven, Elvira, and Neil Patrick Harris.
Significant Achievements
• Inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma; the international honor society for business schools that recognizes outstanding academic achievement
•Named one of CableFAX’s Most Influential Minorities in Cable in 2010 and 2013
•Honored in 2012 as a NAMIC (National Association of Multi-Ethnicity in Communications) Luminary, which recognizes the cable industry’s next generation leaders
•Recipient of the 2012 WICT (Women in Cable and Television) Advocate Leader Award
•Recipient of the 2007 A&E President’s Award for Creativity and Innovation in Business
