What is an IFB used for?

• A. A two-way intercom system used by the crew
• B. Its monitoring and cuing system for one-way communication from the director, associate director or producer to on-air talent
• C. A device that records broadcast audio
• D. A video signal feed to monitors

Answer: (B)

An IFB, or interruptible foldback, is a one-way communication path from the control room to the person on air. It lets the director or producer send cues, timing notes, or instructions to the host through an earpiece, while the on-air talent’s mic remains separate so the audience doesn’t hear the messages. The “interruptible” part means the control room can insert cues or override the normal program audio to guide the talent at the right moment, such as when to go to a break or respond to a question. This is different from a crew intercom, which is typically two-way for talking among staff, and it’s not a device for recording audio or for sending video to monitors.