The Use of Technology in Newsgathering

Abstract

Aerial Newsgathering or Drone Journalism is the use of drones for newsgathering and reporting with the application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) in covering conflict, civil unrest and disaster. Anchored on the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, this paper, “The Use of Technology in Newsgathering” analytically reviewed the concept of aerial newsgathering or drone journalism, otherwise called UAVs. The review shows that „drone‟ which was originally created for military operations has now been adopted for civilian use such as journalism especially in potentially hostile environments in order to minimizeor prevent loss of human journalists on the line of duty and other dangers of using human journalists in dangeroussettings. The reviewfurther indicates that „Drone Journalism‟ is one of the recent technologies adopted in journalism practicewhich helps to reduce or minimize the killing of human journalists who areexposed to dangers in their line of duty especially during wars and other potentially risky incidences of man-made and natural disasters such as floods, wild fires, storms, earthquakes, and civil unrest. The review also shows that while „drone technology‟ is an amazing innovation in both militaryand media organizations, journalism practitioners should be mindful of operational guidelines such as ethics, sovereignty issues, privacy and safety.