HARTFORD, CT – (July 12, 2017) – Reaching new heights in local broadcasting, NBC Connecticut / WVIT today announced the unveiling of DroneRanger, Connecticut’s only fleet of top-of-the-line UAS drones for broadcast that will help to enhance the station’s local news and weather coverage by capturing exclusive, close-up views of local breaking news and weather events that take place throughout the market. DroneRanger is also the only local fleet with high definition zoom lens and the capability to fly at night. WVIT is the first local television in the Hartford (CT) market to employ state-of-the-art drone technology for broadcast, in partnership with PhotoFlight Aerial Media.
“Drone technology allows us to apply a unique perspective to every aspect of news coverage. When a fire recently destroyed a local landmark, the DroneRanger fleet delivered a bird’s eye view of the event and helped our station deliver a visual of local breaking news unlike any other station in the market,” said Susan Tully, President and General Manager of NBC Connecticut. “From capturing distinctive views of local news and weather events to changes in the seasons, nothing compares to the viewpoint from high above the New England landscape.”
NBC Connecticut and PhotoFlight Aerial Media, one of the country’s largest drone operators, conducted extensive testing of shots and locations throughout Connecticut to ensure the deployment of the DroneRanger fleet adheres to federal, state and local regulations. With an on-the-ground team of professional pilots and visual observers maintaining constant communication with WVIT producers inside the station, the team works together to ensure the drones are operated according to FAA regulations and viewers are receiving a unique experience through the lens of the drone fleet. .”. As a result, audiences can see live aerial views of news on-air and across all platforms, including desktop and mobile.
"We are proud to partner with NBC Connecticut as their exclusive UAS drone operator and help the station integrate UAS drone technology, such as a live drone video feed, into its broadcast operations,” said David Weiner, CEO of PhotoFlight Aerial Media. “Together, NBC Connecticut and PhotoFlight Aerial Media recently delivered one of the first live drone video broadcasts, including live zoom, multiple live drones and night-time live video broadcasts. We look forward to working with WVIT to help the station deliver exclusive and unique views that only their exclusive DroneRanger fleet can provide.”
NBC Connecticut has a proud history of using state-of-the-art technology in the studio to help keep viewers informed. NBC Connecticut’s news gathering and weather data tools provide viewers with the most current and accurate information available.
Local audiences can follow DroneRanger via the station’s social media platforms @NBCConnecticut and use hashtag #nbcct to see drone footage.
PhotoFlight Aerial Media is a FAA licensed and insured drone operator with nationwide reach providing the highest quality drone services, while ensuring compliance, consistency, privacy and safety. More information may be found at photoflightam.com and @PhotoFlightAM.
Local
Owned by NBCUniversal, NBC Connecticut / WVIT serves its audience with local news and weather information across multiple platforms, including more than 40 hours of newscasts each week on WVIT, news segments on CT COZI TV and online at NBCConnecticut.com. The station is Connecticut’s leader with Facebook and Instagram followers and provides mobile users on-the-go breaking news updates and weather information through a customized application. NBC Connecticut’s commitment to excellence in journalism has been recognized with numerous Emmy Awards, and the prestigious Peabody Award and Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Laura Gremelsbacker
860-313-4215
Laura.Gremelsbacker@nbcuni.com
