Putting a news eye in the clear sky

By David Poulson
Students in MSU’s JRN 472 have been practicing shooting video and still images from a drone in WKAR’s Studio A.
The craft has a high definition camera that points outward and another camera that points directly below.

MSU students Juliana Moxley, left, and Carly Giles fly a drone in the journalism class called News eye in the clear sky. Image: Kevin Duffy

MSU students Juliana Moxley, left, and Carly Giles fly a drone in the journalism class called News eye in the clear sky. Image: Kevin Duffy



The unmanned aerial system  is operated from a smart phone that displays what the craft “sees.” Images can captured on the phone for later upload to YouTube or stored on an onboard USB drive.
Cameron Vredeveld pilots the drone over instructor David Poulson as he attempts to get close enough for the vehicle's camera to read a paper held by Nathan Kujacznski.

Cameron Vredeveld pilots the drone over instructor David Poulson as he attempts to get close enough for the vehicle’s camera to read a paper held by Nathan Kujacznski. Student Carly Giles gives advice while waiting for her turn. Image: Kevin Duffy


The exercise is part of a Knight Center for Environmental Journalism course on the use of remote sensing for journalism and that is called News eye in the clear sky.
Journalism students Richie Cozzolino and Fitz Duffy ready for take off. Image: Juliana Moxley

Journalism students Richie Cozzolino, left, and Fitz Duffy prepare for take off. Image: Juliana Moxley