The use of drone technology in journalism with the experiences of drone pilots: Semiotic analysis of drone footage

With the advancement of technology, the profession of journalism has evolved. Alongside visuals captured from the ground, photographs and videos taken using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral part of news content. This study examines the benefits of drone technology as a new tool in the field of journalism and its impact on the sector and the profession. This research aims to raise awareness about the use of drones in journalism by highlighting the significant role of drone-based footage from the perspective of experienced reporters and journalists who actively use drones in news production. It also includes a visual analysis within a semiotic framework. The research was conducted using a phenomenological research design and findings were based on responses to semi-structured interview questions posed to 15 drone pilots working as journalists in news production. In this context, the experiences of the expert pilots were examined in depth. The content analysis is structured around the main theme of Effective Communication through Drone Use with two sub-themes: The Contribution of Drone Visuals to News Content and Challenges of Drone Use and Recommendations. Additionally, the study explores the potential contributions of artificial intelligence to journalism and drone imagery within the proposed solutions.