Expresses 'Deep Disappointment' In Open Letter Reacting To Two Televised Reports

Dronemaking giant DJI has released an open letter in which it expresses "deep disappointment" with the way drones were depicted in two reports televised by the BBC.

The reports, one which aired in April and the second on July 1, focused on the dangers posed by drones operating near commercial airports. The BBC reports that DJI asserts that the reports were based on "hearsay" and say the broadcaster was not true to its public charge to "inform, educate and entertain."

DJI says that it provided video footage to the producers of both the Panorama report shown in April and the Horizon report which was broadcast July 1, but that the producers used little of the provided material. Instead, DJI said the BBC focused on "sensational, high-risk scenarios" that were unlikely to occur. The dronemaker said that the reports could not be "construed as balanced or impartial in anyone's book."

In a response to the letter, the BBC defended its broadcasts, saying: "In the wake of the crisis at Gatwick Airport last year - and the strong public interest in this - we believe our Horizon investigation into the technology behind drones, and whether the related UK safety measures are adequate, was justified, fair and impartial.

"From the outset, and repeatedly during the film, the positive uses of drones and the efforts the industry has taken to make them safe was referred to.

"The film does not claim that drone technology is unsafe, but rather that it can be used maliciously when in the wrong hands. Indeed, as drone users ourselves, the BBC is well aware of the positive benefits of them when used appropriately."

DJI said that it planned to file a formal complaint with the broadcaster July 5.

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report