With new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines on the commercial use of drones in effect this month, CNN is grabbing the initiative by establishing a new division, CNN AIR, for aerial imagery and reporting. Two full-time drone operators will operate a fleet of a dozen or more drones. CNN thinks drones will improve reporting by providing enhanced “context and understanding” and “production value” and better “documentary storytelling.” (Poynter Institute, August 19, 2016, by Benjamin Mullin)
Drones will be included in reporting on all CNN outlets. Since 2015 CNN has been working with the FAA to find ways to make it safe to use drones to report news in high density neighbors. (TV Newser, August 18, 2016, by Chris Ariens)