Suggestion

Charting the Course for Use of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems in Newsgathering

This is for a Panel in the category for a Intermediate audience.

News organizations and individual journalists eagerly anticipate safely utilizing Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) for newsgathering purposes as lawmakers integrate sUAS into the National Air Space (NAS). For now these potential users may be flying over an “unchartered” regulatory landscape while the FAA struggles to complete its administrative rulemaking.

In order to better understand how media organizations and individual journalists intend to use sUAS for newsgathering purposes I plan to moderate a panel discussion with a group of experts (to be determined) on the subject. We will also discuss the first-of-its-kind survey by the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) on the Use of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems in Newsgathering.

Other issues to be discussed are the evolution of flight and photography leading in the natural progression of the two technologies, to sUAS use for newsgathering. Other topics to be explored: the ups and downs of current and proposed FAA policies and regulations regarding sUAS use; state legislation; recent incidents and cases involving sUAS; proposed requirements found in the FAA’s UAS Comprehensive Plan and the FAA Roadmap for Integration of Civil UAS in the NAS..

Additionally the panel will discuss the inherent conflicts between privacy concerns newsgatherers’ use of emerging technologies; along with how journalists may better understand and participate in the rulemaking process; as well as proposals for striking an appropriate and acceptable balance between First Amendment protected newsgathering activities and privacy concerns.

How does your submission contribute to the diversity of the conference?

Need for better understanding of and advocacy for the use of the latest UAS technology in newsgathering.

What will your audience have gained by the time your session is over?

Suggested Speakers

Mickey Osterreicher | @nppalawyer

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