Birmingham’s WBRC FOX6 News Launches UAS
WBRC FOX6 News in Birmingham, Alabama has become the first station in the Raycom Media group to use UAS for newsgathering.
The station currently has two licensed UAS pilots, but more members of the staff are expected to be trained to use the UAS this year.
“We are excited to use drones to enhance our coverage,” says Collin R. Gaston, General Manager and Vice President for WBRC FOX6 News.
“This technology will give us another perspective on breaking news, weather, and community events.”
The UAS, known as ‘WBRC Sky Tracker,’ will also be used for marketing and creative services, tower inspections and sales initiatives.
WBRC FOX6 News’ Chief Meteorologist J-P Dice, who is one of the licensed pilots at the station, says, “as a commercial-rated pilot and meteorologist, I think drones or unmanned aircraft systems have a unique role in our weather and news coverage.”
In terms of specific uses within meteorology, Dice says, “the drone is a stable camera platform and can provide an aerial view of tornado and storm damage. This can help meteorologists in damage surveys and understanding the strength and complexity of severe weather.”
