The advent of new technologies has revolutionized the media space. One of these technologies that have assisted journalists in carrying out their tasks is a drone. It is in light of this that this study evaluates the use of drone technology in news gathering and reporting in Nigeria. This study is anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM); an information systems theory that models how users come to accept and use technology. Findings from the study show that the impact of drone technology in news reportage in Nigeria includes; the use of drones has aided investigative journalism; the use of drones has aided immediate coverage of events; the use of drones has enhanced the coverage of unforeseen and unscheduled events and the use of drones has assisted in obtaining footage or photographs in dangerous situations. This study recommends that to lessen the risks connected with the modern era of journalism, media organizations should take every possible step to use drone technology for newsgathering and reporting. Also, the military, the media, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), and the legislators should work together to develop a suitable policy for the use of UAVs or drones in Nigerian journalism.
Vol. 1, No 2, pp. 36-44.