Although I don't think every hobbyist running out trying to capture news stories is judgment of the highest order to put it mildly, news helicopters are something that will eventually be obsoleted by drones along with Goodyear blimps and most aerial cinematography. The increased safety factor (yes, drones are far safer than helicopters) and massively increased cost effectiveness are undeniable. The main obstacle for media organizations to overcome adopting drones is their own on-air attack on drones. There are only a few specific situations where news helicopters have an advantage (I would think extended car chases), but the money for operating a news helicopter is extremely high compared to what you actually get. A news helicopter can fly in much more inclement weather than a drone, but its ability to gather news in said inclement weather is then extremely limited and the lower safety factors of helo ops are even further reduced. Insurance rates alone create a huge cost differential since any actuarial table (or risk assessment in general) factors in risk probability, risk severity and mitigating factors and helicopters won't fare too well actuarially.