CNN Gets FAA Clearance to Test Drones

"Cable news net hopes to help define drone journalism rules
CNN said federal regulators have cleared it to test newsgathering with drones. According to the cable news network, it entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration to integrate unmanned aerial vehicles—colloquially known as “drones”—into newsgathering and reporting.

The agreement encompasses CNN’s existing research partnership with the Georgia Tech Research Institute in Atlanta. GTRI tests a variety of unmanned systems, including aircraft and maritime submersibles. In November, GTRI demonstrated formation flying by multiple drones. The Institute also develops technology that enables drones to fly themselves, from pre-loaded auto-pilot programs to full autonomy......" TVTechnology: CNN Gets FAA Clearance to Test Drones

Journalists and citizens should pay attention to prevent the FAA from adopting rules that benefit only CNN (and similar entities) to the detriment of all others.

The local news station had a drone over our christmas parade. No big deal.

All commercial use of drones is required to be done with FAA approval. That requirement is routinely ignored and rarely, but occasionally, enforced. The public needs to pay attention to whatever rules are proposed by the FAA because our safety and privacy are at stake.