Anchor is wearing audio device, not ankle monitor

The image shows an audio device, not an ankle monitor.

(Reuters) - A photograph of a journalist wearing a device on her ankle is circulating online with false claims that it shows an ankle monitor.

Comments indicating users believe this to be an ankle monitor include: “DUI??”, “Probably a drunk” and “Tf she do?!”

A closer look at the photograph reveals that the device looks different to an ankle monitor with cables running up to the journalist’s dress. The device is most likely an IFB (interruptible foldback), which provides communication between the journalist and the control room, or a microphone pack.

Broadcast journalists who use the devices attached to their ankles have explained on social media in the past that they are not wearing an ankle monitor, with one saying: “This is making the social media rounds again! What you see strapped to my ankle is an IFB box. My earpiece plugs into it, producers can talk to me without being heard over the air. Anchors have it attached to the news desk. But I need to move around, and my microphone pack is already on my waistband. So, no, I m not on house arrest (even though it may feel that way during long winter storms!)”

Other journalists have posted on Twitter showing the creative ways of connecting the devices while wearing a dress.

No belt, no problem. Microphone and IFB box are strapped onto leg brace thingy. #WhatYouDoNotSeeOnTV #behindthescenes pic.twitter.com/h6pBQCiwoU

— Jennifer Griswold (@Jen_Griswold) June 29, 2015

#BehindTheScenes : It’s like the #Christmas leg lamp...but with a bunch of microphone packs. I think my right calf is getting stronger, left one not so much! Did you know @KDKAHeather has been known to do calf raises on this very same box? pic.twitter.com/Ek7oO4KLFV

— MEGHAN SCHILLER (@MeghanKDKA) November 30, 2018

Taping the IFB to my leg cuz I don t have pockets. #ReporterProblems #news #dedication #ouch #impromptuwax pic.twitter.com/BNzUEziUG8

— Bree Steffen (@BreeSteffenTV) May 15, 2015

Kudos to @WFLAmeredyth — her microphone had some static, so she found some medical tape and attached it to her ankle! #resourceful pic.twitter.com/Ig2IdXQruH

— Leigh Spann (@WFLALeigh) May 17, 2018

Ankle straps for these devices are available for purchase online.

Versions of this particular image of the FOX journalist have been circulating since 2018, according to image search website TinEye.

Fox 2 St Louis did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Thus, the image shows an audio device, not an ankle monitor.