On April 11, 1971, electrical engineer turned television executive Julian Sinclair Smith founded Sinclair Inc. in Baltimore, Maryland. The company is now the second largest television station operator in the United States, with control over 193 stations. The majority of the programming broadcast by Sinclair Inc. consists of news, reaching approximately 40% of American households. Today, the company is run by Julian’s son, David Smith. Recently, Sinclair Inc. announced it had obtained a first-of-its-kind waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Drones have revolutionized the world of film, television, and media. They offer cinematic, bird’s-eye views that enhance storytelling and provide compelling visuals. Drone camera technology has advanced significantly in recent years, making drones an ideal solution for filming. For news broadcasting, in particular, drones have become indispensable tools. Traditionally, journalists relied on helicopters for news coverage and traffic observation. However, maintaining a helicopter can cost a news station upwards of $1 million annually. In contrast, a top-of-the-line drone costs around $60,000.

Most news broadcasters currently rely on DJI drones, the largest drone manufacturer in the world. But as technology improves and costs decrease, many are turning to American made alternatives such as Autel and Parrot. These drones are lightweight, highly portable, and can be deployed within minutes to capture fast developing stories. Sinclair began using drones for news reporting in 2016. To date, Sinclair’s FAA Part 107 certified pilots have logged over 40,000 hours of drone flight time. Each of the broadcaster’s 148 drone pilots and visual observers has undergone rigorous training to ensure safe and effective drone usage.

All commercial drone pilots in the United States are required to obtain a Part 107 license, similar to needing a driver’s license to operate a car. Sinclair sends its drone pilots and observers to be trained through the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership, directed by Tombo Jones. Based in Blacksburg, the center was founded in 2013 as an official FAA drone test site. It is tasked with advancing drone technology, operations, and policy to be fully integrated into the national airspace. One of the core standards that drone pilots learn through the Part 107 process is that flying over people or moving vehicles is strictly prohibited.

In a groundbreaking development, the FAA has granted Sinclair Inc., through its partnership with Virginia Tech, a Declaration of Compliance for Operations Over People, a waiver allowing its drones to fly over people and moving vehicles while reporting the news. “We have worked for years with Sinclair, helping to train their pilots, and I have always been impressed with their professionalism and commitment to safety,” said Mr. Jones. “We were proud to build on that theme by using our FAA approved test method to test a modified drone that allows Sinclair’s pilots to meet the FAA’s stringent safety requirements for operating over people or traffic.”

With this waiver, Sinclair’s news channels will be able to deliver the most comprehensive, technologically advanced news coverage. They can now use drones to capture high quality footage, even in the presence of crowds or active roadways. “This approval represents a significant step forward in our ability to deliver high-quality, innovative journalism,” said Scott Livingston, Senior Vice President of News for Sinclair. “By incorporating expanded drone footage, we enhance our coverage of breaking news, local events, weather, and community stories, offering our audiences more compelling and dynamic storytelling. Our ongoing partnership with Virginia Tech has been instrumental in ensuring the highest safety and training standards.”

As drone technology continues to evolve, Sinclair Inc.’s FAA waiver marks a major milestone not only for the company but for the future of broadcast journalism. By embracing innovation and prioritizing safety, Sinclair is setting a new standard for how news can be gathered and delivered in real time. This advancement underscores the growing role of unmanned aerial systems in shaping the media landscape, offering a glimpse into a future where storytelling is more immediate, immersive, and accessible than ever before. In many ways, this achievement carries forward the pioneering spirit of founder Julian Sinclair Smith, honoring his legacy of bold innovation and dedication to advancing the broadcast industry.

Previous Drone News: