What’s in Your Station ‘Go’ Bag?

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CrashBagDoes your station have a “go” bag for reporters in the field or for other station personnel to broadcast from locations outside the studio? Even a few of the items mentioned here can help your people work more efficiently in the field.


ABC News Radio was one of several networks covering the recent tragedy in Orlando. RBR+TVBR Weekly Tech Roundup asked ABC Radio VP/GM Steve Jones what’s in their kitbags, which they call “crash bags.”

ABC News Radio has reporters based in New York City, Washington, DC, Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles. Each reporter has a crash bag packed with the gear necessary to broadcast from any location for a sustained period of time. They can originate live reports via Wi-Fi or satellite. The ABC News Radio crash bag includes a high-durability laptop with a suite of editing software, Comrex Access, Marantz recorder and Verizon MiFi (to help devices connect to the Internet.)

The bag also includes Sennheiser headphones and headset, satellite phone, portable power supplies, a power strip, back-up cables and cords to connect both with satellite dishes and KU trucks.

The radio, TV and Digital staffs at ABC News collaborate on all editorial and contribute to each other’s coverage. All ABC News staff in Orlando contribute to ABC News Radio coverage, and the lead radio reporters on the ground were Jim Ryan and Aaron Katersky.