Lou Waters Speaker & Booking Information

One of the first faces viewers saw on the air when CNN launched its 24-hour cable news service back in 1980, was that of journalist Lou Waters. For the next 20 years, Waters was involved in reporting numerous national and international stories. He anchored seven hours of live, continuous award-winning coverage of the space shuttle Challenger explosion in 1986; was one of the first to report from the streets of San Francisco after the devastating earthquake there in 1989; traveled to France and England in 1994 to gather firsthand reminiscences on the 50th anniversary of the allied invasion of Normandy; and filed live reports from Macedonia during NATO's air campaign against Yugoslavia.

Waters is also currently managing editor and host of NewsProNet's "Investing in America" consumer money reports, seen on more than 80 television stations across the U.S.

Waters has long been fascinated with the phenomenon of "the aging of America." At CNN, he hosted a series of specials targeted at the fast-growing audience of older Americans, called Coming of Age. He traveled across the country talking with experts and people of all ages to gain insight into the realities-and misconceptions-about growing older.

"There has been an enormous shift in attitude toward aging and older Americans, as more people approach that time in their lives," says Waters. "With the enormous advances in health care and the emphasis on pursuing a healthy lifestyle, people over 50 are focused on their potential, not on their limitations."

Along with his entertaining and compelling presentation on Aging, Lou also speaks on his other passion - golf, as a metaphor for life. As a 18-handicapper and veteran of the "celebrity Golf Circuit" he presents his perspectives on playing to win that are as relevant on life's course as they are on the golf course.

Most Requested Topics:

The Black and White on the Graying of America: Now Lou Waters brings his unique perspective as both a journalistic observer of the 50-plus age group and a member of that demographic to speak to groups of all ages and interests. Aging is a topic that resonates with those already immersed in the challenges and opportunities of growing older and even the young, who hope to someday reach old age. Waters talks about how older Americans are living longer and living better. He debunks many of the myths and stereotypes about this group, who are known as everything from "Golden Agers" to "Senior Citizens." As Thomas Cole writes in The Journey of Life: "Old age still symbolizes the spiritual integrity and wisdom that have attracted me since childhood. " Lou Waters shows audiences how to harness that spiritual integrity and wisdom in their own lives as they approach and participate in that intriguing part of the human experience--growing older.

Did You Know That: In 1897, the average life expectancy was 47 years; while today it is 77 years and rising. "Silver Surfers," ages 55 to 64 using the web are the fastest growing age group using the Internet. Baby Boomers over 50 represent the most potentially lucrative market for advertisers who traditionally target 18-49 year olds. 50-plus Americans control half of this country's discretionary income and 77% of its assets. Waters uses warmth and humor to deliver a fascinating and insightful look at what these societal and market realities mean for business and for individuals. His presentation can be tailored to diverse audiences and to various industries and organizations.

CNN - Bloopers and Blunders: "You're on the air." Live. Live television means that anything that happens is seen by the viewing audience. Lou Waters punctuates his presentation with personal reminiscences from two decades of anchoring with CNN. He shares his "blooper reel," featuring video clips of many embarrassing and hysterical moments with some very recognizable CNN talent"moments that are inevitable on a 24-hour television network. There was the time his co-anchor's pants caught on fire, to the phoned-in breaking news interview with a person who spoke no English, to the time the meteorologist got stuck in the weather board--all on live TV. Waters can also share his perspectives on CNN, past, present and future and on the future of television news coverage. Interestingly, about 61% of CNN's viewing audience is 55-plus.

Golf as Life: Lou is a lifelong golfer who spends many weekends on the Celebrity Golf Circuit. Along with developing his swing, Waters has developed some unique perspectives on the connections between golf, business and life. Waters shares his ideas on negotiating life's challenging fairways, staying out of the "rough" and playing to win. Waters is also available to participate in golf tournaments with meeting attendees and company executives.

Chart Your Own Course: Lou Waters and his Charted Waters presentations are designed to be customized for each audience he addresses. He can involve the audience in dynamic role-playing or question and answer sessions. Always fun, surprising and on the mark, Lou Waters makes an outstanding keynote or dinner speaker for your event.