South Africa’s Kagiso New Media and Jacaranda FM have launched a two-week trial of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in road traffic reporting, with a view to operating a fleet of drones to improve real-time news and information coverage.
The two Kagiso Media companies said the trial will last for 15 days, during which the UAVs will monitor traffic congestion on the N1 motorway in Gauteng province, with members of the public able to get the latest updates via Jacaranda FM radio shows or on the station’s website and Twitter feed.
Following the expected success of the proof of concept trial, the companies intend the technology to be expanded from traffic coverage, to providing live coverage of events and news incidents as they unfold.
“At a group level, Kagiso Media is always looking for innovative ways to bring our audience converged services that add value to their lives,” said Attila Bernariusz, Kagiso New Media’s general manager of operations.
“The proof of concept – a collaboration between Kagiso New Media and Jacaranda FM– weaves together radio and digital technology in a really exciting way.
“Pending the results of this proof of concept, we look forward to operating a fleet of UAVs that will bring our web and radio audience up-to-the-minute news and information.”
General manager of Jacaranda FM Kevin Fine said radio stations currently depend on listeners to provide the station with traffic updates to pass on to the audience at large, with aerial surveillance methods – mainly helicopters – proving prohibitively expensive. As such, the UAV technology will give Jacaranda an added value offering for its listeners.
“In a metropolitan area with so many traffic issues, this offering will save our audience a lot time and hassle. We see it as a potential revolution not only in traffic reporting, but also in news reporting. It’s another innovative avenue that keeps us connected to our audience,” said Fine.
Kagiso Media said UAV is the future of “transparent communications”, pledging to lead the way in UAV uptake.
“We believe that UAV technology is an integral step into a future of transparent communications and information because it provides real time data when people need it,” said Craig Corte, chief digital officer (CDO) at Kagiso Media.
“We plan to be at the forefront of this technological boom so that we can capitalise on the many opportunities which it will provide.”
Live content delivery provider Antfarm will be responsible for the live streaming technology for the proof of concept.
“Antfarm is well positioned to help Kagiso to deliver on the UAV project thanks to our company’s intimate knowledge of streaming video technologies,” said Andrew Aitken, sales and marketing director at Antfarm.
“We are providing the tools and technology required to convert the camera feed from the UAV into a live stream available on the internet.”
Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
