By Paul Greeley
817-578-6324, Paul@NewsBlues.com

Not many local TV stations have their own news helicopter anymore.

In many cases, drones have taken over what used to be provided by helicopters.

But in many of the larger TV markets, like in Los Angeles, having a news helicopter ready to use when needed is an absolute necessity.

Pete Wilgoren, the Managing Director of Content and Coverage for KTLA, Nexstar’s CW affiliate in Los Angeles, posted on social media a story about how KTLA’s Sky5 is “the most important news gathering asset we have. Try covering a county region that’s more populated than 40 other states.”

The story shows how the pilot and Gil Leyvas, the station’s camera person, work together to see exactly how they do what they do. It’s a pretty fascinating look at how the two work together to bring viewers those pictures from the air.

And as to drones, I believe that drone footage adds perspective to almost every news story a local TV news operation covers.

NOTE: I’ve flown in local TV news choppers in several markets from Philly to New Orleans to Orlando and have written and produced my share of news chopper promos. Here are just a couple:

Texas TV Meteorologist Named ‘Weatherperson of the Year’