KOTV-The News On 6 announces a return to helicopter news coverage with the launch of SKYNEWS 6 with SteadiZoom 360. The station’s helicopter has been out of service since it was involved in an accident last summer. When outfitting the aircraft with news gathering equipment, The News On 6 made dramatic upgrades in technology and video capabilities. SKYNEWS 6 is outfitted with 3 on-board cameras, including SteadiZoom 360. The cutting edge equipment represents a substantial improvement over the previous technology which was the most advanced in Tulsa at that time.

“Our intent always has been to return to covering news from the air, and we are pleased to bring this powerful news gathering tool back to our viewers, better than ever,” said Regina Moon, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The News On 6 and CW12/19. “Our investment in Skynews 6 with SteadiZoom 360 is a clear signal of our commitment to providing people throughout northeastern Oklahoma the finest news coverage possible.”

Three on-board cameras will bring viewers more pictures and greater perspective from the air. The new SKYNEWS 6 carries a tail-mounted exterior camera that gives the perspective of riding alongside the helicopter. An interior camera will be used for on-board anchors and reporters. The third camera is SteadiZoom 360 which will deliver steadier, closer, crisper aerial pictures from greater distances than ever before. Like Steadi-Scan 360 before it, SteadiZoom 360 is a nose-mounted exterior camera, but boasts significantly greater stability and zoom capabilities.

The camera features advanced microprocessor-controlled gyro stabilization technology – 5 axes vs. the previous 2 axes. The result is jitter-free imagery regardless of the motion of the aircraft.

The gyro system, combined with the camera’s next-generation zoom lens, provides closer, clearer pictures at greater range. The new lens’ focal length is more than five times greater than the previous camera’s lens meaning greater magnification of the subject from a much farther distance. The camera also rotates 360 degrees, capturing stunning pictures from more angles with greater speed, clarity and accuracy.

“Viewers will see the difference and reap the benefit,” said News on 6 Director of News, Ron Harig. “Whether it’s severe weather coverage, breaking news or traffic concerns the images our viewers will see will be extremely clear and detailed.”

SKYNEWS 6 with SteadiZoom 360, owned by The News On 6, is the only station-owned television news helicopter in Tulsa.

Griffin Communications, L.L.C. is Oklahoma owned and operated by David and Kirsten Griffin of Oklahoma City, and John Griffin of Muskogee. Combined, the company’s media companies cover more than 90 percent of Oklahoma households.

Griffin owns The News On 6 (KOTV) and CW12/19 (KQCW) in Tulsa; News 9 (KWTV) in Oklahoma City; the Radio Oklahoma Network, which is comprised of 42 radio affiliates across the state; and Griffin New Media, focused on Griffin’s internet sites and information delivery to cell phones. Another division of the company, Griffin Tower Company, builds, purchases and maintains towers in Oklahoma.

Griffin Communications, L.L.C. is a partner with Cox Communications in NewsNow 53 both in Oklahoma City and Tulsa with cable channel repeats of News 9 and The News On 6 newscasts 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Griffin is also a partner in Sooner Sports Properties with the University of Oklahoma Athletic Department, Learfield Communications and Renda Broadcasting. SSP owns the marketing rights to the University of Oklahoma Athletics.