SKYVANTAGE FEATURED ON ALJAZEERA TV

In December, Skyvantage was joined on a shoot in Central London by a film crew from Aljazeerah TV, filming the programme “The Listening Post“. The show was doing a feature on the potential use of drones in Journalism.

We were asked “do we think drones can play an effective role in journalism“? Absolutely, however, if drone operators are to adhere to their licences (and they should have them if they are to operate commercially!)  they need to think firstly as “pilots” and secondly as “cameramen”. With many breaking news stories (certainly in the UK) it is not as simple as just taking off and filming due to safety and planning issues.

So in theory the use of UAV for news crews is a great idea but in reality (unless you are going to break UAV flying rules and regulations laid out by the C.A.A.) it may not actually be possible.

In situations of civil unrest, such as the riots in Thailand (featured on the programme) drone use is very useful indeed enabling the camera to access areas which may be prevent from filming from the ground. And due to the civil unrest the drone operator is less concerned about adhering to any air laws! 

It will be interesting to see if news crews do begin using drones extensively in the UK. No doubt there will certainly be situations where they can be very useful and effective, however, just because it is technically possible doesn’t negate the fact that their are strict laws in place governing their commercial use. 

The Listening Post show can still be viewed on-line on the Al Jazeerah website.