The sUAS News Podcast Series
sUAS News kicked off the Podcast series just a couple of months ago (May 2012). The topic of conversation is usually focused on the wide and varied spectrum of Robotics and Unmanned Technologies. Topics range from ways to monetize the technology, regulatory issues, the Global airspace integration effort, advocacy, applications for unmanned technologies and everything in-between.
The inaugural episode featured special guest Gene Robinson. We spoke about sUAS Search and Rescue. Gene spoke about his years of experience assisting in searches, firefighting and working with law enforcement. Gary felt that the show went so well that he insisted that we invite Gene to be the co-host. I agreed that Gene brought a lot of experience to the table, and that added to the sUAS News ethos. Everyone at that sUAS News has hands on experience with Unmanned Technologies be it commercial, civil or military. So, we asked Gene to come on board, and Gene obliged us by joining the program.
I asked Gene to relate some of his thoughts to the story…
“I was a bit surprised by the invitation, but I have always been convinced that there should be a representative voice of the small UAS industry. The Podcast has become a tool of advocacy for the small unmanned aircraft sector and those small businesses that could take off if given a reasonable chance. We have found that more and more people are thirsty for the practical kind of information that we can bring to a 45 minute session that is convenient and easy to listen to. As we move forward, asking the hard questions and digging out answers, the podcast will be pivotal in telling the straight story.”
The episodes and guest surprise me. There have been more than a few occasions where I’ve had the Eureka moment. Show guests give us compelling insights on facets of and on unmanned technology that I’ve never thought about. Other times, I feel like Gene, and I are wheeling out the ore cart from the goldmine. We talk about subjects and give insights that are usually reserved for companies that have spent six figures on lobbyists. We have also tried to offer insight into services available to the community like those of the various universities in the “Back to School” series.
That first episode had over 2300 downloads, and to be frank, the numbers surprised me. Especially considering it was something that just started with no advertising or prolonged announcement. It does add credence to the notion (or consensus) that the community and industry are very interested in information and insight into this technology and the myriad of possible applications.
Even the folks at Blogtalk radio we’re surprised by the numbers the fledgling show has produced. We have had a couple of episodes that have had 20,000 +/- downloads in a week! That is pretty impressive in everyone’s book so we must be doing something right.
The series is getting a lot of attention. The last few interviews I’ve done reporters have said they listened to the podcast series to get some background on the sector and the relevant issues. We usually have guests that are the newsmakers or folks that are leaders in the industry.
Of course, you the listener are often treated to insight and views on how the FAA is leading the way (by following) on the global airspace integration effort. I personally view the dissemination of this information as a public service for the UA community. We shine a cleansing daylight on what has up to this point been a private public process. Between the sUAS News website, daily email, social media, and now the podcast, we are reaching 70,000 to 80,000 plus people a week. It’s hard to lurk in the shadows when your shenanigans are brought to the attention of that many people.
We’d also be very happy to help with the airspace integration effort now that the FAA has installed new leadership at the newly created UASIO. From what I have been told, I should be optimistic that the new leadership is interested in making this integration process into more of an inclusive effort.
The podcast series and download numbers would suggest that interest in this technology is growing by leaps and bounds. Even those from within the industry are interested in being future guests. Some want to use it as a vehicle to get the word out about integration efforts. Others want to discuss safety information, studies as well as showcase new products and applications.
We do our best to do the show every Wednesday depending on the show host and cohosts busy schedule. If you are interested in sharing ideas, have questions or would like to share comments, please email either Gene, gene@suasnews.com or me Patrick@suasnews.com
For those that may have been missing out on all of the fun
https://www.suasnews.com/suas-news-podcast/
Or, if you would like to listen live etc.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/suasnews
Or sign up for our twitter feed for podcast time and title announcements
