Dan Lothian began covering the White House for CNN when the Bush administration was transitioning out and the President-Elect was pledging more access and transparency for reporters and the public.
“No matter how much we get, it’s not enough,” Lothian explained to students, faculty, staff and members of the community at the UC Auditorium.
As Journalist in Residence for the UTC Department of Communications, Lothian kicked off a two-year series of guest lectures and lectures to Communication classes on Monday, September 22.
On numerous occasions for major issues like health care and the Benghazi attack, the media’s access to President Obama was limited and critical documents were not easily attainable, Lothian told the crowd.
“There are still a lot of questions about whether the White House has done enough,” Lothian said.
Numerous media outlets have complained about accessibility and transparency during the current administration. Lothian explained that administrators were often limited in what they could say, instead differing to the administration’s public relations experts.
Defenders say the administration speaks with one voice when the message is delivered only by the president and the press secretary, Lothian said.
Lothian began his presentation by showing his first news report made in 1988 for WDEF, when Life Force took off for Erlanger Health System. Lothian attended Tennessee Temple, met his wife, his best friends, and began his career—all in Chattanooga.
“Coming to this city feels like coming home,” he said with a smile.
There will be additional opportunities for UTC students to learn from Lothian, who owns Dan Lothian Media.
Lothian will return for subsequent campus visits and speak to classes on November 12-13; January 13-14; March 17-18, and on April 7, Lothian will be joined by a panel of eminent journalists from around the country. Lothian will make public presentations during each of these visits.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for UTC students and communication students to learn from one of the brightest stars in broadcast journalism. We are more than thrilled he will be here,” said Dr. Betsy Alderman, Professor and Head of the UTC Communication Department.
Prior to launching his own venture, Lothian spent more than a decade as a correspondent at CNN, and during the last five years at the network he was a White House Correspondent. He was named to this position in 2008. Before joining CNN’s Washington bureau Lothian served as CNN’s Boston bureau chief and correspondent. In addition to reporting, Lothian was responsible for coordinating all news coverage from the greater-Boston area.
Lothian began at CNN in June 2003 covering a wide range of issues. He was a key member of CNN’s Peabody Award-winning “best political team on television.” He covered the 2004, 2008, and 2012 presidential races.
Lothian reported on natural disasters to tell the stories of the victims of hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Dennis and Gustav. His reports contributed to the network’s award winning coverage of Hurricane Katrina.
He traveled to the Middle East to report on the ongoing tensions and proposed peace agreements between the Israelis and the Palestinians. While he covered the White House, Lothian traveled with President Obama to more than 30 countries.
Lothian’s accolades include National Headliner, Peabody, Associated Press, James Beard, Religion Newswriters Association and National Association of Black Journalists awards. He also received two national Emmy nominations.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Temple University and a master’s degree from American University in Washington D.C.
There will be additional opportunities for UTC students to learn from Lothian. He will return for subsequent campus visits and speak to classes on November 12-13; January 13-14; March 17-18, and on April 7, Lothian will be joined by a panel of eminent journalists from around the country. Lothian will make public presentations during each of these visits.
