Eye in the sky: How news helicopters reshaped the landscape of broadcast journalism

The use of helicopters in broadcasting represented a major leap forward in how news could be gathered, reported, and branded. Here’s a look into how this aerial approach reshaped the landscape of broadcast journalism and became a significant tool in the branding of TV stations:

1. Branding and Competition: As TV stations started using helicopters, they quickly realized the branding potential. The chopper became a symbol of a station’s commitment to providing the latest and most comprehensive coverage. It gave stations an edge over their competitors, and they began prominently featuring these helicopters in advertising campaigns, with names like “SkyNews” or “Eagle Eye,” aiming to win viewers’ trust and loyalty.
2. Immediate and Dynamic Coverage: Helicopters provided the ability to broadcast live from the scene, offering audiences a bird’s-eye view of unfolding events, whether it be a major traffic jam, a wildfire, public demonstrations, or high-speed pursuits. This dynamic perspective brought a new layer of immediacy and excitement to news reporting.
3. Community Presence: Beyond just being a tool for reporting, the branded choppers became a tangible representation of the station’s presence in the community. They would often be showcased at public events, parades, or fairs, further ingraining the station’s brand in the minds of the local population.
4. Technological Innovations: As technology advanced, so did the capabilities of news helicopters. They became equipped with more powerful cameras, stabilizing systems, and transmission equipment, allowing for clearer, longer-range, and more stable footage.
5. Economic Implications: The considerable investment in a helicopter was often justified by the potential returns. Exclusive aerial footage or being the first to report on a significant event from the air could greatly boost a station’s ratings, attracting more advertisers and, consequently, more revenue.
6. Enhancing Credibility: The use of helicopters was also a statement about the station’s commitment to journalism. It showed viewers that the station was willing to invest in getting the best coverage possible, enhancing its credibility.
7. Collaborations with Authorities: News helicopters have often collaborated with local authorities, especially during emergency situations. This collaboration not only provides essential coverage but also strengthens the relationship between broadcasters and local agencies.

TV channels and news organizations have curtailed the use of helicopters for reporting. However, there are also arguments in favor of their use. Here’s a breakdown:

Why TV channels stopped using helicopters for reportage:

1. Cost: Operating a helicopter is expensive. Beyond the acquisition or leasing costs, there’s maintenance, fuel, hangar fees, and pilot salaries. In an age of budget cuts and shifting resources in media organizations, helicopters are often one of the first things to go.
2. Drone Technology: Drones are becoming more sophisticated and can often capture the aerial footage that a helicopter would have in the past, but at a fraction of the cost. They are also more maneuverable in tight spaces.
3. Safety Concerns: Helicopters come with risks. There have been several instances where news helicopters have crashed, leading to fatalities. Drones, by contrast, pose a lesser risk to human life.
4. Noise Pollution: Helicopters can be loud and disruptive. This can be problematic for communities, especially if they’re hovering over residential areas for extended periods.
5. Environmental Concerns: Helicopters consume a significant amount of fuel, which leads to higher carbon emissions compared to smaller, battery-operated drones.

Why TV channels might consider using helicopters for reportage:

1. Broader Range: Helicopters have a longer range than most drones, allowing them to cover large distances without needing to recharge or refuel as frequently.
2. Better Equipment: Helicopters can carry larger, higher-quality cameras and broadcasting equipment, potentially offering better footage and live feeds than smaller drones.
3. Immediate Deployment: For breaking news where immediate coverage is essential, having a helicopter ready to fly can ensure the event is captured as it unfolds.
4. Carry Reporters: Helicopters can transport reporters to a location quickly, allowing for on-the-ground coverage supplemented by aerial views. Drones can’t do this.
5. Sky-Eye View for Extended Periods: While drones have limited battery life, helicopters can stay in the air for extended periods, providing continuous live coverage of evolving situations like police chases or natural disasters. While drones provide a cost-effective method for aerial shots, they cannot replace the comprehensive coverage a helicopter offers. Helicopters provide the added advantage of a commentator or reporter on board, giving real-time insights and analysis.
6. Credibility and Branding: Having a news helicopter can be seen as a commitment to comprehensive news coverage, potentially enhancing a TV channel’s brand and credibility.
7. Safety: In certain circumstances, it might be safer for a crew to cover events from the air rather than on the ground, especially in the case of civil unrest or volatile situations.

The traditional means of using helicopters remains unmatched in terms of the depth and immediacy of coverage. In a rapidly changing technological environment, news organizations need to remain adaptive, training their staff in emerging technologies, staying abreast of regulatory changes, and ensuring they can provide timely, accurate, and comprehensive coverage to their audiences. In summary, while helicopters have been used less frequently due to costs and advancements in drone technology, there are still circumstances and reasons that could justify their use in reportage. Decisions will likely be based on the specific needs and resources of each media organization.

KTLA is credited with being the first TV station to broadcast live footage from a helicopter in 1958

The transformation of news photography via helicopters epitomizes the evolution of broadcast journalism, both technologically and in terms of branding.

1. The Challenge of Early Aerial Photography: In the beginning, capturing news from the air was no easy task. The sheer act of trying to get a clear shot while battling the elements, vibrations, and the limitations of early camera technology was daunting. Camera operators often risked their safety, hanging out of the helicopter to get that perfect shot. These challenges made early aerial footage raw and often shaky, but it brought an unmatched immediacy to news reporting.
2. Innovative Solutions: Necessity, as they say, is the mother of invention. Over time, advancements such as the gyro-mounted cameras revolutionized aerial photography. This technology countered the movements of the helicopter, allowing for clear and stable footage. This not only improved the quality of the news coverage but also the safety and efficiency of the crew.
3. Branding and Market Differentiation: As the technology evolved, the helicopter itself evolved from a mere tool to an icon. Stations recognized the potential of branding their choppers, creating a more memorable connection with viewers. This was crucial, especially in major cities where multiple stations competed for viewer attention. The helicopter, therefore, was not just a news-gathering asset; it was a symbol of the station’s dedication, reach, and modernity.
4. The Power of Promos: In cities with multiple helicopters covering the same events, differentiation became essential. Promos became a critical tool in this endeavor. Creative, memorable, and sometimes dramatic promotions emphasized not only the chopper’s capability but also its unique identity tied to the station. These promos were designed to evoke trust, reliability, and exclusivity.
5. Beyond News: While the primary function was news gathering, helicopters soon found roles in other areas of broadcasting. From capturing panoramic shots of the city skyline to covering major events like parades and sports, the chopper became a versatile asset.
6. Economic Considerations: Operating a chopper, especially with advanced camera systems, was a significant investment. However, for many stations, the benefits – both in terms of news capability and branding – outweighed the costs. The exclusivity of having aerial footage, especially during significant events or emergencies, could drive viewership and, by extension, advertising revenue.
7. An Evolving Landscape: While the golden age of news helicopters saw them become ubiquitous symbols of major news stations, the landscape is evolving. Drones, with their lower operational costs and nimbleness, are becoming more prevalent. Yet, even with these shifts, the legacy and impact of the news helicopter era remain undeniable.

In conclusion, the journey of news photography from helicopters underscores the symbiotic relationship between technological innovation and branding in the media industry. The changes and developments over the years highlight how tools, when leveraged correctly, can become powerful symbols that resonate with audiences and create lasting brand identities.