Sunday 6 May 2007

Police control TV2's helicopter for royal TV coverage

Christian is into the TV2 helicopter even if PET isn't.


TV2 and DR1 has reported (3 May 2007) that the Police Intelligence Service (PET - in charge of royal and VIP protection security in Denmark) will now take action to control TV2’s helicopter. PET will no longer allow TV2 to use the helicopter to follow Queen Margrethe and other members of the Danish royal family (DRF) when they drive from one place to another.

The new rules mean that next Wednesday the TV station will have to change its coverage of the upcoming Swedish royal visit*. The plan was to follow guests and hosts when they drive from Toldboden in Copenhagen to Fredensborg.

News-chief Michael Dyrby told Ritzau (Danish agency news) that TV2 has not received any official notification from PET, but that the new guidelines were presented at a meeting last Wednesday between the DRF, PET and TV2.
“Now PET has come out with fairly harsh limitations on our ability to have pictures. We can no longer film the motorcades for security reasons. It’s a completely new way to handle it and I hope it doesn’t apply for ever,” said Micheal Dyrby.

He points out that the helicopter gives an extra dimension to their TV coverage which the viewers will now miss. (thanks Muhler!)

* This week there will be a state visit to Denmark by the Swedish royals King Carl Gustaf, Queen Silvia and Crown Princess Victoria.

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posted by lotte | 4:32 am

4 Comments:

Blogger Nell said...

What a shame all this security for Denmark.I have always thought of Denmark being free from serious threats, not so nowdays I gather. Must be very uncomfortable for visiting Royals.
Makes me glad I live in a country where a helicopter over head does not rate a second glance.

11:24 am  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Is there a problem in Denmark. Seems a bit extreme to ban news helicopters.

7:18 am  
Blogger lotte said...

Hi nell, hi betty,

Gee, you have both taken this story to heart.

All countries have restricted air space, not just Denmark. Every airport, significant buildings, monuments, nuclear facilities, military bases and lots of other installations have restricted air space all over the world. It is normal and was normal even before 9/11.

The TV2 guy just wants the station to be able to use their fancy toy of course, but long distance shots of cars driving on a motorway are not that great imo.

I don't think we will suffer somehow, but TV2 will want to justify the expense of the helicopter. Have either of you been under a hovering helicopter? :D

Cheers,
lotte

4:08 pm  
Blogger Unknown said...

I can only speak for myself, yes I have been under a hovering helicopter. I spent 2 weeks near a Theam Park in Queensland, sightseeing helicopters were going up,down and around every 20 minutes or so. In Melbourne news helicopters report on traffic conditions every day, they are cleary marked with the TV stations logo most people take no notice. I trust air traffic controllers and authorities here would take appropriate action if an air craft flew into restricted air space.
From what I've read I assumed the one in Denmark is used for relaying live video/pictures from the news crew on the ground. I didn't realise they intended to film from it. That would be an invasion of privacy.

5:51 pm  

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