U.S. Broadcaster Intends to Test Newsgathering Drones in Oregon

By: Courtney Sherwood | Reuters

(Reuters) - A U.S. media company said on Wednesday it wants to be among the first broadcasters to launch news-gathering drones once the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues new policies governing the unmanned remote-control aircraft, with test flights beginning in Oregon.

Alpha Media, which owns close to 70 radio stations in U.S. media markets, intends to begin testing drones to gather video footage on highway traffic and concerts for its Portland radio station KXL-FM 101, once those new rules are in effect, executive vice president Scott Mahalick said.