What About Drones and Newsrooms?



Discussions around drones entering the journalism industry has been around for a while. The shift in using different tools to capture and share news instantaneously, as the online experience evolves, has been rapid in the last few years. Utilizing social media, live video posts and artificial intelligence seems easier compared to using drones.



Drones: Immersive storytelling


Journalism and news has always been about being at the right place at the right time to report on real stories, statements and events locally and nationally. However, the medium in which news is being reported has changed and is constantly evolving with technological advances. Technology helps news become multi-dimensional and provide more depth and perspective.


Specifically the usage of drones in more newsrooms has opened ways for reporters to capture more details than ever before. They can survey the damage of an explosion or a disaster area by documenting and showing still images and videos. Live streaming of events and stories, such as annual festivals, concerts, local press conferences, to affects of hurricanes and natural disasters in communities. Drones can capture high resolution images and videos from multiple perspectives and offer a better analysis for viewers.


Drone Regulations


Before considering to incorporate the usage of drones in your newsroom, however, some important restrictions, regulations and certifications need to be evaluated and established. There has been long discussions on how the usage of drones violates many privacy considerations, as well as safety issues regarding the handling of the equipment.

The FAA has deemed the usage of drones in newsrooms as commercial use, although the debate has also brought up the First Amendment free press implications around this definition. This has provided specific restrictions and certifications to include journalists. The Small Unmanned Aircraft Rule – known as Part 107 – is an operator’s certificate and requires that the journalists pass a test covering basic of airspace. This has also brought about specific restrictions, which provided are followed, allow newsrooms to consider drone flights in reporting.


Operational Limitations – (taken from the FAA website)

  • Unmanned aircraft must weigh less than 55 lbs. (25 kg).
  • Visual line-of-sight (VLOS) only; the unmanned aircraft must remain within VLOS of the remote pilot in command and the person manipulating the flight controls of the small UAS.
  • Small unmanned aircraft may not operate over any persons not directly participating in the operation, not under a covered structure, and not inside a covered stationary vehicle.
  • Daylight-only operations, or civil twilight (30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset, local time) with appropriate anti-collision lighting.
  • Must yield right of way to other aircraft
  • Maximum groundspeed of 100 mph (87 knots).
  • Maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level (AGL) or, if higher than 400 feet AGL, remain within 400 feet of a structure.
  • Wildfires, major league sports and national parks are off-limits.
  • No careless or reckless operations.
  • No carriage of hazardous materials.
  • No person may act as a remote pilot in command or VO for more than one unmanned aircraft operation at one time.


An important procedure to consider as part of using drones for reporting and providing guidance to your readers, is to create an “About Drone Usage” section on your website. You can also have a pdf file upload that readers can read at any time. This should include your decision process and reasons for using the drone device. Specifically on the information gathered via images and video, who get to see and vet the data is important. What internal reporting and monitoring systems are place with certain sensitive information, as well as the boundaries set for when it should not be used or aired. Do not forget to regularly audit and track any new developments you have in place for using drones.


Drone Pilots



Careful employment and examination of the remote pilot candidates is vital to the success of drone usage in newsrooms. When providing direction to the pilots, newsrooms should consider obtaining adequate insurance for any damage or injury that may result during drone flights. Make sure that the drone is registered with the FAA at a cost of $5, which is valid for 3 years. Do not forget to obtain any necessary licensing for commercial use; which includes shooting photos and videos for a story.



Remote Pilot Certification and Responsibilities – (taken from the FAA website)

  • Demonstrate aeronautical knowledge by either:
  • Passing an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center; or
  • Holding a part 61 pilot certificate other than student pilot, complete a flight review within the previous 24 months and complete a small UAS online training course provided by the FAA.
  • Be vetted by the Transportation Security Administration.
  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Requires preflight inspection by the remote pilot in command.
  • A person may not operate a small unmanned aircraft if he or she knows or has reason to know of any physical or mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small UAS.
  • A person operating a small UAS must either hold a remote pilot airman certificate with a small UAS rating or be under the direct supervision of a person who does hold a remote pilot certificate (remote pilot in command).



Pilots should have autonomy in their work processes and if certain flights are unnecessarily unsafe or questionable, the newsroom should follow the pilot’s decision. They should also be encouraged to keep track of any new regulations and requirements that might have been updated by the FAA. This can include the changes that occur in the sectional maps and flight restrictions. Specifically on the usage of the drone, pilots should be asked to make sure that they have completed their pre and post-flight inspections, inclusive of checking aircraft body, batteries, and motors. If any parts need to be replaced, original parts need to be used for keeping the safety and quality requirements.



The FAA will continuously find ways to regulate the new “Drone Age” as new technology develops, while discussions on the ethical usage of drones in newsrooms will persist. “There’s no shortage of negative headlines about drones. A lot of it is related to fear. But there’s so much potential good for what these things can do. There are clear advantages to using them.” – Greg Agvent, CNN AIR



AdPerfect Adds The Seattle Times to Its Growing Customer List

October 19, 2020
AdPerfect, one of the leading obituary platforms used by media companies across North America, will provide its technology and expertise to The Seattle Times, the most read local news and information company in the Pacific Northwest. The AdPerfect Obituary platform provides readers and customers with an exceptional experience for sharing the life and memories of a loved one who has passed. The platform provides a modern user interface and an efficient self-serve option for funeral homes and private parties to place obituary notices. “We’ve worked closely with AdPerfect for a number of years on other products and their customer service, attention to detail and willingness to be a true partner is second to none”, said Gary Smith, VP of Advertising – The Seattle Times AdPerfect was acquired by Tribute Technology last August, a company that provides funeral management and website software to 70% of the funeral home businesses in the U.S.A and Canada. Today, with a direct connection between AdPerfect’s obituary software solution and local funeral home’s software, this never-before-seen opportunity is quickly being adopted by hundreds of local media outlets. “We’re ecstatic to have The Seattle Times take advantage of our obituary platform, as the devotion and admiration they enjoy from informed readers throughout the Pacific Northwest demonstrates how committed they are to their customers. Being able to provide The Seattle Times and funeral homes in the Seattle area with a fully integrated platform will mean better service for families” said Jim McIntosh, Executive Chairman of AdPerfect. About AdPerfect AdPerfect is the most trusted provider of mobile-friendly self-service advertising solutions for publishers and newspapers. We build reliable online platforms and engaging interfaces focused on attracting advertisers, driving user traffic and growing print and digital revenue. For more than a decade, we have always been, and continue to be, committed to designing technologies that support the evolving needs of the media publishing industry. For more information, contact Jim McIntosh, Executive Chairman, AdPerfect at jim.mcintosh@adperfect.com or phone 604.760.9039.   About The Seattle Times The Seattle Times serves the Northwest with independent, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism, as the region’s most trusted news media company, dedicated to public service. The Seattle Times is the second largest newspaper on the West Coast and the most-visited digital information source in the state. Founded in 1896 by Alden J. Blethen, The Seattle Times is now led by the Blethen family’s fourth and fifth generations. It also owns the Yakima Herald-Republic and The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin About Tribute Technology Tribute Technology is the leading technology provider for the funeral and death care industry. Tribute Technology provides website design and development; online obituary applications; case management software; extensive funeral payment technology including credit card processing, ACH payments, crowdfunding, financing, and life insurance assignments; floral eCommerce solutions; digital marketing services; and personalization software for keepsakes, funeral stationery, and video. Tribute Technology's goal is to be the turnkey funeral technology solution for funeral homes and publishers across North America.

AdPerfect Discusses the Company's Obituary Platform & Freemium Model on Guaranteed Digital: The Podcast

September 8, 2020
In partnership with the Local Media Association’s Digital Summit, Daryl Hively of Guarantee Digital conducted podcasts with each of the Association’s many Research and Development partners prior to the start of the conference. In this episode, Daryl sat down with Matthew Ipsan, to learn more about the AdPerfect freemium model, how the company is focused on helping the industry find new and sustainable business models and how the acquisition of AdPerfect by Tribute Technology is a game changer for local media companies.

AdPerfect Participates in Local Media Association Panel Discussion: Look Globally, Deploy Locally

September 4, 2020
Kirsten and Matthew were joined by guests Ashley Montroy, Executive Vice President of Tribute Technology and Nancy Davis from the Arbor Day Foundation. Both companies have seen tremendous revenue results by harnessing the power of data to make the customer journey both enjoyable and efficient.

AdPerfect Introduces Keynote Speaker at 2020 Local Media Association's Digital Summit

September 4, 2020
With nearly 600 people in attendance, virtually, Matthew Ipsan of AdPerfect explained how the AdPerfect freemium model is a perfect example of a new business structure - one designed to provide local media companies with two essential elements for sustainability - significant expense reduction and new incremental revenue through e-commerce.

Tribute Technology Acquires AdPerfect

By jgreen • February 15, 2020
Tribute Technology, the leading provider of funeral management and website services, with cutting-edge personalization and technology solutions used by more than 70% of funeral homes in the United States, has acquired AdPerfect, one of the leading obituary platforms used by media companies across North America. The acquisition will deliver online and self-serve obituaries at no cost to local publishers, while also providing publishers of all sizes and platforms with significant revenue-driving products, such as the Tribute Store.

Online Conversions in 2019

By jgreen • July 22, 2019
The primary goal of online marketing and content is to attract leads and lead them to make a decision. Online conversions are now the ROI of every company. To keep up, every company needs to be aware of new automation options and technology to accomplish wider online reach. Here are some stats […]

The New Social Paradigm – Distribute Information or Provide Value?

By Pelin Arin • June 20, 2019
Communicating with customers and prospects are spanning to wider applications. Just calling a phone number is no longer enough. As customers are more aware of their options, they want more robust and agile services and the content of your message needs to be multifaceted and provide value. In comes social selling, using […]

Artificial Intelligence Marketing

By Pelin Arin • June 12, 2019
With Google and Amazon investing more and more in artificial intelligence, there is still a lot of expectations and hype around the upcoming developments in technology. Although no one for sure can confidently forecast or speculate where the industry stands on this, we looks at some interesting numbers and stats.

Ethical Advertising in the Intelligent Era

By Pelin Arin • June 10, 2019
Online interactions are not only redefining how we receive and gather information, but also our definitions of ethics online are also being redefined. Majority of consumers now believe that using data to personalize ads is unethical. According to research, 59% believe that personalization to create tailored newsfeeds — precisely what Facebook, Twitter, […]

Online Classifieds in 2019

By Pelin Arin • June 5, 2019
According to recent research from the Online Classifieds Industry Report, 56.9% of companies are confirming that they plan to launch new products or services, while 58.6% planning to hire new staff in the next year and even, 38% plan to modify their business model in the next 3-5 years. This shows an optimistic and […]
More Posts