The Center for Journalism Ethics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is partnering with the Poynter Institute, Google News Lab, DJI Drones, the Drone Journalism Lab at the University of Nebraska, and National Press Photographers Association to host hands-on drone journalism training in Madison June 16-18.
“At a time when drone use in reporting is expected to grow quickly, I’m delighted the Center for Journalism Ethics can help encourage responsible practice,” said Center Director Kathleen Bartzen Culver, who has been studying the legal and ethical implications of drones in journalism for five years. “These partners are leaders in this field, and I’m proud we’re working alongside them.”
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) — known to most as drones — present tremendous opportunities for journalists. They can be used to report on environmental issues, natural disasters, and other news issues and events. But they also pose important concerns, including safety and privacy. This hands-on training will not only prepare journalists to successful earn FAA certification to fly, but also focus on the law and ethics involved.
Training participants will learn:
- Background of unmanned aerial systems
- Part 107 of the Drone Pilot’s Certificate
- Airspace restrictions for drone pilots
- Operating limitations
- Weather conditions
- Drone performance
- Crew management
- Airports and airport operations
- Aeronautical decision-making
- Emergency procedures
- Federal and state regulations
- Pre-flight, flight and post-flight checklists
- Flight and battery logging
- Legal and privacy concerns
- The ethics of a flying camera
- Useful tools (Google MyMaps, Earth Pro)
- Hands-on flying of a DJI drone
The three-day training costs $295. Journalists, journalism educators and serious students preparing for drone flight are welcome to attend.
More information is available here.
