🎤 Practicing Safe Reporting: The Story Behind the Condom-Covered Microphone
During Hurricane Ian's onslaught in September 2022, NBC2 reporter Kyla Galer became an unexpected internet sensation when viewers noticed an unusual item covering her microphone: a condom. This unconventional choice sparked curiosity and amusement online, but it was a practical decision rooted in field reporting challenges.
🌀 The Viral Moment
While reporting live from Fort Myers, Florida, amidst heavy rain and wind, Kyla Galer's microphone appeared to be shielded by a latex covering. Social media users quickly speculated about the protective layer, leading to widespread sharing of images and clips. Galer addressed the speculation directly on her Instagram story, confirming:Meaww+3ebaumsworld.com+3OutKick+3indy100+3Meaww+3ebaumsworld.com+3
"A lot of people are asking what is on my microphone. It is what you think it is. It's a condom. It helps protect the gear. You can't get these mics wet. There's a lot of wind and a lot of rain, so we gotta do what we gotta do."ebaumsworld.com+2OutKick+2indy100+2
Her candid explanation highlighted the practical use of a condom as a waterproof cover for sensitive equipment during extreme weather conditions.
🎥 Field Reporting Realities
In the absence of specialized equipment, reporters often resort to creative solutions to protect their gear. Condoms are waterproof, flexible, and thin enough not to interfere significantly with sound quality, making them a viable option for safeguarding microphones against rain. This practice, while unconventional, is known among field reporters facing harsh weather conditions.
🌟 About Kyla Galer
Kyla Galer is an Emmy Award-winning journalist with a background in anchoring and reporting. She has worked with various news outlets, including NBC2 in Fort Myers, Florida, where she covered significant events such as Hurricane Ian. Her innovative approach during the hurricane coverage exemplifies the adaptability and resourcefulness required in journalism.Realscreen Summit+5Meaww+5ebaumsworld.com+5
📸 The Internet Reacts
The image of Galer holding a condom-covered microphone quickly became a meme, with many praising her ingenuity and others sharing lighthearted jokes. Despite the humor, the incident shed light on the challenges journalists face while delivering news in adverse conditions.
Kyla Galer's inventive solution during Hurricane Ian serves as a reminder of the lengths to which journalists go to report the news, even if it means thinking outside the box—or, in this case, the wrapper.