How to Report From a Helicopter for a TV News Story
Many TV news stations in major markets have news helicopters. They are very expensive to operate, so stations strive to get their money's worth out of them. That means as many live shots as they can get from the helicopter. While helicopter pilots are often cross-trained to report on traffic, it usually falls to news reporters to do live shots on breaking news stories from the helicopter. This involves an entirely new set of reporting skills.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Get comfortable flying in the helicopter. If you are afraid to fly or are in awe of the experience, you won't be able to keep your mind on your job. Flying in a helicopter is different than flying in an airplane. It is bumpier, louder and more dangerous. Helicopters occasionally crash or hit things. If you are afraid of this, you should not fly. If you enjoy the experience, let the novelty wear off before attempting a live report.
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2
Fully understand the technical set up in the helicopter. Every news helicopter is set up to shoot video and do live shots differently. Often there is a camera beneath the helicopter for shooting aerial shots. There may also be a fixed camera inside the helicopter pointed at the reporter. Sometimes the reporter needs to turn around or move to another seat to be framed by the interior camera. The reporter may be responsible for switching on the camera, lights or microphone. Understand all your responsibilities and the technical capabilities of the news helicopter.
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3
Speak in a normal tone of voice. Since the helicopter is so loud there is a tendency to shout. You will probably be wearing head gear that reduces noise. It will have an attached microphone allowing you to talk to other people in the helicopter. That microphone may also double as your camera microphone. It is designed to pick up your voice in a normal tone of voice. Even a hand held directional microphone will cut out much of the background noise. Speak normally.
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4
Have a clear understanding of what is being seen on the air. Many news helicopters do not have monitors that would allow the reporter to see what the audience does. Even if there is a monitor, the reception is often bad. The reporter must be prepared to fly "blind" and do a live shot without knowing what is being seen. Be sure everyone knows what you will be doing in a live report from the helicopter. Have clear roll cues signaling when to go to the external camera and when to return to a shot of the reporter. If you are referring to something specific, make sure the person operating the camera knows to shoot it.
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5
Constantly remind viewers that you are in the news helicopter. News directors love this. News helicopters are flying billboards and they want it pointed out as much as possible. Do things that can only be done from a helicopter. Refer specifically to aerial shots. While you are live on the air ask the pilot to fly around something or ask your photographer to zoom in on something. Viewers are drawn in when they hear you utilizing the amazing technology in your helicopter. Do not do a report that could just as easily been done from the ground.
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