Helicopter Traffic Reports

[Sean Smyth]

Dan Murphy writes: "I recently heard a traffic report broadcast from a helicopter, which is relatively rare these days with traffic cameras everywhere. Right now I can recall only three names from earlier traffic helicopter days: Joe Green and Joe Morgan on WBZ (Green had a terrible mic/comm setup; NEVER understood a single word he said), and Chris Culkeen on WFNX, WZLX, and 98.5 in the WROR/WBMX years. When were helicopters first used by Boston news media to report traffic or other breaking stories, and who were some of the other pilots?"

Kevin mentioned the important names, and I'd say Kevin O'Keefe was the most notable one. WBZ(AM) still uses the copter in AM (and I think PM) drive, but it always seems to be grounded when raining, foggy -- is that for safety, or practical, reasons?