• by Ray Schultz , October 12, 2025

The News Media Coalition, which includes the News/Media Alliance, is challenging guidelines put forward by the Federal Aviation Administration covering use of drones.

The FAA released its proposed rules in August, setting Oct. 6 as the deadline for comment. While the provisions do not mention newsgathering specifically, they would impact journalism. 

The FAA recommends the following, according to the Coalition, which specifies the journalistic effects:

• Newsgathering operations can be conducted only in areas with moderate Category 3 population density. That would exclude major metropolitan areas, shopping centers and multifamily housing. 
• Newsrooms can have no more than 25 active UAS in a fleet. These can weigh a maximum of 110 pounds. 
• These operations must have a supervisor and flight coordinator who hold an FAA-issued pilot certificate and have undergone a background check. Operators must have their ID at the ready.  

The coalition urges these changes:

• The FAA should permit newsgathering operations in population densities greater than Category 3.
• The FAA should reconsider its 24 “active” BVLOS UAS limitation.
  
• The FAA’s pre-operations approval processes and requirements must account for breaking news.