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.