Students can learn how to use drones in reporting at the University of Nebraska and University of Missouri journalism schools. “…journalism students are taught the basics of flying unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs), using still and video cameras to gather aerial information, the ethics of operating flying cameras, FAA regulations and safety, and how to interpret aerial footage. The goal is to turn information gathered from the air into workable stories,” reports Neal Ungerleider. (Fast Company, February 22, 2013)
Using drones in reporting is still illegal for professional journalists, reports Lily Newman, (Gizmodo, February 24, 2013), but state legislatures are starting to address requests for the use of drones and the privacy issues that arise with such requests.
The Professional Society for Drone Journalists has sprung up to support and educate teachers, students and professional journalists in the use of drones in reporting. -db