CNN and the Federal Aviation Administration have signed an agreement to integrate drones into news gathering and reporting, the two organizations announced Monday.
The agreement will provide the FAA with existing research CNN and partner Georgia Tech Research Institute have compiled on best practices for integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UVAs), which are remote-controlled planes.
The government agency will use the data and research collected to create a framework for guidelines on how to safely incorporate UVAs into newsgathering operations.
“Our aim is to get beyond hobby-grade equipment and to establish what options are available and workable to produce high quality video journalism using various types of UAVs and camera setups,” said CNN Senior Vice President David Vigilante. “Our hope is that these efforts contribute to the development of a vibrant ecosystem where operators of various types and sizes can safely operate in the US airspace.”
CNN has led the coverage charge among all media platforms in aviation coverage over the last year. In 2014, the network drew criticism for its near-nonstop coverage of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370
“Unmanned aircraft offer news organizations significant opportunities,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “We hope this agreement with CNN and the work we are doing with other news organizations and associations will help safely integrate unmanned newsgathering technology and operating procedures into the National Airspace System.”
15 Gadgets and Stars to Get Excited About at 2015 CES (Photos)
Drone cameras will make a huge presence as manufacturers hope to combine action HD camera technology -- GoPro -- with consumer drones.
NBC's "America's Got Talent" host Nick Cannon will serve as the 2015 Ambassador for the Entertaiment Matters at CES program.
Getty Images
Dr. Phil McGraw will speak at the Digital Health Summit Jan. 8 at the Venetian.
CBS
4K Ultra HDTVs will come in larger sizes with smaller price tags from companies like Samsung, hoping to finally convince consumers its time to upgrade.
LG
Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson will sign autographs Jan. 7 at the SMS Audio booth.
Getty Images
Ryan Seacrest will headline address with iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman at C Space at ARIA Jan. 7.
NBC
Hyundia expands Blue Link's vehicle access features to Android Wear smartwatches, as wearable technology becomes more functional and fashionable.
Hyundai
Neil Young and PonoMusic will hold a press briefing on High Resolution Audio Jan. 6 at the Hi-Res Audio Workshop. Young will talk hi-res music in a SuperSession Jan. 7.
"The Biggest Loser" trainer Dolvett Quince launches Brookstone's BodyForm Roller, demonstrating techniques for the massage roller. He will also sign autographs Jan. 8 at the Brookstone booth.
NBC
3-D printing becomes more affordable as the next generation of the groundbreaking technology will be unveiled, looking to lure in consumers with its myriad possiblities.
CES
Tricia Helfer (Syfy's "Asension," "Battlestar Galactica") will sign autographs on behalf of Elektrobit Automotive Jan. 8 on the Ford Broadcast Stage.
Syfy
Phablets (phone-tablet hybrids) like Sony's Xperian Z4 are expected to make a huge impact at SEC 2015.
Sony
Shaquille O'Neal will attend Monster Products press conference on Jan. 5, along with Team USA track and field star Blake Leeper, who will host a fireside chat on Jan. 6 in Monster's booth.
Virtual reality headsets -- Oculus impressed last year with its Oculus Rift -- are expected to come to consumers with backing from Intel, Samsung and Sony.
The Internet of Things is coming home in 2015, with more household devices like ceiling fans and light switches being offered with Internet connectivity and smart capabilities, all managed from a singular device like a smartphone.
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Drones, 4K Ultra HDTVs, wearable technology and phablets are dominating buzz for the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show, which starts with press preview Monday in Las Vegas
Drone cameras will make a huge presence as manufacturers hope to combine action HD camera technology -- GoPro -- with consumer drones.