KATV Reporter Becomes Sales Account Exec

KATV reporter Justin Lewis is moving to the advertising department at the station.  Lewis made the announcement on his facebook page:

New Anchor Named for NWA Newscast

This from the tip jar:

Laine Baker will be the new host of the FOX24 News Edge on KFTA/Channel 24/Fort Smith-Fayetteville after the recent departure of long time host Brad Reed. She will anchor the weeknight newscasts at 5:30 and 9:00. Laine previously was a co-host on KNWA Today.

National News Organizations Challege Ban On Drones

Well this story is hitting home as with all the talk about KATV photographer Brian Emfinger's of a drone to get footage of tornado devastation in central Arkansas last week.  At least a dozen national news organizations have filed a brief with the FAA challenging the decision to ban the use of drones by commercial news gatherers.  

"The FAA's position is untenable as it rests on a fundamental misunderstanding about journalism. News gathering is not a 'business purpose.' It is a First Amendment right," the brief said.  

The FAA said in a statement late Tuesday it was concerned that the NTSB judge's decision "could impact the safe operation of the national airspace system and the safety of people and property on the ground."

What I wonder is, is Brian Emfinger "off the clock" when he is operating his news gathering drone.  If he is acting as a freelancer that maybe within being legal BUT if he is on the clock and wearing his KATV hat he could be in HOT water.  Is he selling the video to KATV?  Does he give the other stations equal opportunity to "purchase" the video...or does he give KATV the exclusive?...Just some questions to think about.  

And then comes this story today of a drone with a camera slamming into a skyscaper in St Louis.

2013 Arkansas Associated Press Winners Announced

Winners of the Associated Press news awards have been announced.  Arkansas Business.com reports the following results:

KATV won first-place awards in the categories of spot news, enterprise or investigative, elections and politics, documentary, continuing coverage, sports coverage, sportscast, weather segment, non-spot photography and website.

 KTHV-TV, Channel 11, took the rest of the TV first-place awards in the categories of non-spot news, feature and spot photography

KHBS/KHOG-TV, Channels 40/29 of Fort Smith and Fayetteville took a first-place award for newscast.
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And this year's AP television sweepstakes winner was KATV/Channel 7/Little Rock.

KATV Photog Hocks Drone Tornado Destruction Video

Hmmmm....did anyone else pickup on this?  Seems KATV photographer Brian Emfinger is hocking his drone shot video for sale.  A comment on TV Spy pointed this out.