From June 11th to June 13th, 2018, Deutsche Welle held its annual Global Media Forum (GMF) in Bonn, Germany. The GMF is “the place Made for Minds, where decision-makers and influencers from all over the world come together.” Each year, the event attracts more than 2,000 inspiring representatives from the fields of journalism, digital media, politics, culture, business, development, academia and civil society to tackle problems and brainstorm solutions to the challenges facing global media development.

Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum 2018 / Drones in journalism: Uncovering new perspectives? /
f.l.t.r.: Boris Claudi (DW, Culture and Lifestyle, Head of Projects, Germany), Tilman Wagner (DW, Innovation Manager, Germany) and Johnny Miller (Freelance Documentary Photographer, South Africa) / hosted by Deutsche Welle / © DW/P. Böll

Deutsche Welle’s Innovation team hosted a panel discussion on the use of drones in journalism. The panel comprised of Johnny Miller, a Freelance Documentary Photographer from Capetown, South Africa, and Boris Claudi, Deutsche Welle’s head of projects in the cultural section – a cooperation partner for MultiDrone. Tilman Wagner, member of DW’s innovation team and part of the MultiDrone team, moderated the discussion. The panel talked about the new perspectives and possibilities drones can bring to the field, relating to the work of MultiDrone.

Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum 2018 / Drones in journalism: Uncovering new perspectives? / hosted by Deutsche Welle / © DW/P. Böll

Starting with a short introduction video on current examples of drone footage, the panel then discussed the different aspects of the work involving drones, ranging from practical advice to legal and ethical questions. The discussion was well received among the audience, also leading to a couple of questions at the end. Most certainly people do see the value in the use of drones and appreciate the new perspectives on certain events, especially where drones can give an additional overview on a situation.