by Yervant Keshishian, Technical Director and Sales Engineer, Varto Technologies
Small stations navigate challenges with smart strategies and strong partnerships
Stepping onto the floor at this year’s JAG Conference felt like coming home. After two days of connecting with station managers, volunteers, and colleagues, one theme was undeniable: every station is focused on creating high-quality content while navigating the challenges of tight budgets, limited staff, and aging equipment.
This was perfectly captured when a township media coordinator came up to our booth. He had a real-world problem, not a product question: “We know we need to upgrade, but we don’t have the budget to start from scratch. How do we even begin?”
His question gets to the heart of the matter. It’s not just about technology, it’s about finding a practical path forward. It reaffirmed my mission here at Varto Technologies: to be a trusted local partner who provides realistic strategies, not just sells equipment.
Getting Started: Incremental Upgrades with Hybrid IP
Many attendees I spoke with were intrigued by IP-based workflows but concerned about the cost and complexity of a complete overhaul. This was a central theme in two of our packed sessions, AV Networking for PEG and Inside the Future of Live Production.
The good news is that you don’t have to switch everything all at once. We demonstrated how integrating even a single piece of modern gear doesn’t just add one feature, it unlocks an entirely new workflow. For example, adding a Vizrt TriCaster Vizion opens the door to powerful tools like Viz Flowics for cloud-based graphics. They all run on a stable network backbone built with gear like Netgear’s AV switches. This incremental strategy allows you to modernize at your own pace and future-proof your station without disrupting daily operations.
Beyond Event Coverage: The Evolving Role of Bonded Cellular
Covering community events is a familiar challenge, but new technology is expanding the potential for even more meaningful community roles. In our live technology showcase, we demonstrated a complete workflow where a remote feed, captured with units like the LiveU LU800, is seamlessly integrated into a TriCaster Vizion switcher, enhanced with real-time graphics, and instantly distributed.
What truly resonated with attendees was the LU-Smart mobile app, which transforms modern smartphones into bonded streaming devices. This empowers staff and even trusted volunteers to easily deliver high-quality video using the phones they already carry. It’s the ultimate example of doing more with less.
Bridging Media and Public Safety
Beyond events, this technology has a critical dual use. This was the focus of another session I was honored to be a part of: Real-Time Video Updates and Information During Critical Situations. I sat on a panel alongside distinguished public safety leaders and fellow technology experts, including a fire chief, an emergency management coordinator and a police detective specializing in drone operations.
We discussed how resilient, real-time video from drones and field units is no longer limited to broadcast news. It is becoming essential for situational awareness for first responders. A key takeaway for JAG members is recognizing your station’s potential role in this ecosystem.
By leveraging bonded cellular technology, you’re not only equipped to cover local events but also positioned as a critical partner for local OEM and public safety agencies during emergencies. Facilitating this collaboration between media professionals and public safety is something I’m deeply passionate about. It highlights how technology truly serves the community.
Strategic Planning: Advocating for Your Station’s Future
One of the most vital discussions I had was during the Building, Expanding or Updating Facilities roundtable. Alongside fellow experts in broadcast lighting and community media leadership, we moved beyond just technology and dove into what it truly takes to secure a station’s future: strategic advocacy.
We agreed that a 3-to-5-year technology roadmap is your foundational document, but its real power comes when you use it to advocate for your needs during any municipal construction or renovation project that could impact your station or its infrastructure. This means pushing for essential infrastructure like dedicated fiber runs between municipal buildings or ensuring conduits are installed before the walls go up.
More importantly, we stressed the need to advocate for your own involvement in the early design stages of any new media space, a practice that ensures it’s functionally built for production from day one, not as an afterthought.
We also explored creative strategies for success, like partnering with other groups such as the Board of Education to pool resources and secure funding for shared facilities. This level of planning and advocacy is the ultimate expression of doing more with less because it secures the physical spaces and financial backing you need to thrive for years to come.
The Value of a Partner in Your Backyard
More than the technology itself, I heard repeatedly the clear need for accessible, reliable local support. When mission-critical gear fails, stations simply can’t afford to wait for replacements from across the country. At Varto Technologies, we’re more than just a vendor; we’re an extension of your local team. Our New Jersey facility offers hands-on training, rapid-response support, and loaner equipment to ensure your operations run smoothly. Our proximity means peace of mind, knowing support is just a phone call or short drive away.
Looking Ahead
Thank you to everyone who visited our booth and joined our sessions at the JAG Conference. Your dedication continues to inspire me and my team, and we are proud to support the vital work you do. As we look ahead, another important focus is preparing your team for the future, whether that means training new volunteers, skill building for current staff, or documenting workflows so knowledge doesn’t leave when someone retires. We’re working with stations to make these transitions smoother and more sustainable through local training and practical onboarding support.
There is a growing expectation to stream everything reliably and without fail. That’s why we’re also helping JAG members build resilience into their daily operations. This includes bonded cellular redundancy, power backup systems, and remote-control workflows that keep productions running even when staff is limited. These small shifts now can prevent bigger issues later.
The future is promising, with emerging technologies like AI-driven automation and cloud production set to streamline workflows even further. As these tools become more accessible, we’ll be right here to help you navigate the changes.
We’re hosting the JAG meeting at our facility in September and we look forward to continuing these conversations in person. In the meantime, if you’re considering your next steps or just curious about your options, we’re here to offer guidance and clarity.
Reach out anytime. We’d love to support your station’s unique journey forward.
Yervant Keshishian | Varto Technologies, Inc. Sales Engineer, Authorized Trainer & Technical Director
Tel: 888-656-6233 | Tel: 201-662-6200 | Fax: 201-604-2661
yervant@vartotechnologies.com | linkedin.com/in/yervantk/ www.vartotechnologies.com
Note: JAG is grateful for the continued support of Varto Technologies. They will be hosting JAG’s general meeting on September 24 at 12 noon. Lunch will be provided at 11:30am. You will also have the opportunity to tour their facility including the state-of-the-art control room pictured here.
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Doing More with Less: My Takeaways from the 2025 JAG Conference
Posted: July 23, 2025 by Doug Seidel
by Yervant Keshishian, Technical Director and Sales Engineer, Varto Technologies
Small stations navigate challenges with smart strategies and strong partnerships
Stepping onto the floor at this year’s JAG Conference felt like coming home. After two days of connecting with station managers, volunteers, and colleagues, one theme was undeniable: every station is focused on creating high-quality content while navigating the challenges of tight budgets, limited staff, and aging equipment.
This was perfectly captured when a township media coordinator came up to our booth. He had a real-world problem, not a product question: “We know we need to upgrade, but we don’t have the budget to start from scratch. How do we even begin?”
His question gets to the heart of the matter. It’s not just about technology, it’s about finding a practical path forward. It reaffirmed my mission here at Varto Technologies: to be a trusted local partner who provides realistic strategies, not just sells equipment.
Getting Started: Incremental Upgrades with Hybrid IP
Many attendees I spoke with were intrigued by IP-based workflows but concerned about the cost and complexity of a complete overhaul. This was a central theme in two of our packed sessions, AV Networking for PEG and Inside the Future of Live Production.
The good news is that you don’t have to switch everything all at once. We demonstrated how integrating even a single piece of modern gear doesn’t just add one feature, it unlocks an entirely new workflow. For example, adding a Vizrt TriCaster Vizion opens the door to powerful tools like Viz Flowics for cloud-based graphics. They all run on a stable network backbone built with gear like Netgear’s AV switches. This incremental strategy allows you to modernize at your own pace and future-proof your station without disrupting daily operations.
Beyond Event Coverage: The Evolving Role of Bonded Cellular
Covering community events is a familiar challenge, but new technology is expanding the potential for even more meaningful community roles. In our live technology showcase, we demonstrated a complete workflow where a remote feed, captured with units like the LiveU LU800, is seamlessly integrated into a TriCaster Vizion switcher, enhanced with real-time graphics, and instantly distributed.
What truly resonated with attendees was the LU-Smart mobile app, which transforms modern smartphones into bonded streaming devices. This empowers staff and even trusted volunteers to easily deliver high-quality video using the phones they already carry. It’s the ultimate example of doing more with less.
Bridging Media and Public Safety
Beyond events, this technology has a critical dual use. This was the focus of another session I was honored to be a part of: Real-Time Video Updates and Information During Critical Situations. I sat on a panel alongside distinguished public safety leaders and fellow technology experts, including a fire chief, an emergency management coordinator and a police detective specializing in drone operations.
We discussed how resilient, real-time video from drones and field units is no longer limited to broadcast news. It is becoming essential for situational awareness for first responders. A key takeaway for JAG members is recognizing your station’s potential role in this ecosystem.
By leveraging bonded cellular technology, you’re not only equipped to cover local events but also positioned as a critical partner for local OEM and public safety agencies during emergencies. Facilitating this collaboration between media professionals and public safety is something I’m deeply passionate about. It highlights how technology truly serves the community.
Strategic Planning: Advocating for Your Station’s Future
One of the most vital discussions I had was during the Building, Expanding or Updating Facilities roundtable. Alongside fellow experts in broadcast lighting and community media leadership, we moved beyond just technology and dove into what it truly takes to secure a station’s future: strategic advocacy.
We agreed that a 3-to-5-year technology roadmap is your foundational document, but its real power comes when you use it to advocate for your needs during any municipal construction or renovation project that could impact your station or its infrastructure. This means pushing for essential infrastructure like dedicated fiber runs between municipal buildings or ensuring conduits are installed before the walls go up.
More importantly, we stressed the need to advocate for your own involvement in the early design stages of any new media space, a practice that ensures it’s functionally built for production from day one, not as an afterthought.
We also explored creative strategies for success, like partnering with other groups such as the Board of Education to pool resources and secure funding for shared facilities. This level of planning and advocacy is the ultimate expression of doing more with less because it secures the physical spaces and financial backing you need to thrive for years to come.
The Value of a Partner in Your Backyard
More than the technology itself, I heard repeatedly the clear need for accessible, reliable local support. When mission-critical gear fails, stations simply can’t afford to wait for replacements from across the country. At Varto Technologies, we’re more than just a vendor; we’re an extension of your local team. Our New Jersey facility offers hands-on training, rapid-response support, and loaner equipment to ensure your operations run smoothly. Our proximity means peace of mind, knowing support is just a phone call or short drive away.
Looking Ahead
Thank you to everyone who visited our booth and joined our sessions at the JAG Conference. Your dedication continues to inspire me and my team, and we are proud to support the vital work you do. As we look ahead, another important focus is preparing your team for the future, whether that means training new volunteers, skill building for current staff, or documenting workflows so knowledge doesn’t leave when someone retires. We’re working with stations to make these transitions smoother and more sustainable through local training and practical onboarding support.
There is a growing expectation to stream everything reliably and without fail. That’s why we’re also helping JAG members build resilience into their daily operations. This includes bonded cellular redundancy, power backup systems, and remote-control workflows that keep productions running even when staff is limited. These small shifts now can prevent bigger issues later.
The future is promising, with emerging technologies like AI-driven automation and cloud production set to streamline workflows even further. As these tools become more accessible, we’ll be right here to help you navigate the changes.
We’re hosting the JAG meeting at our facility in September and we look forward to continuing these conversations in person. In the meantime, if you’re considering your next steps or just curious about your options, we’re here to offer guidance and clarity.
Reach out anytime. We’d love to support your station’s unique journey forward.
Yervant Keshishian | Varto Technologies, Inc. Sales Engineer, Authorized Trainer & Technical Director
Tel: 888-656-6233 | Tel: 201-662-6200 | Fax: 201-604-2661
yervant@vartotechnologies.com | linkedin.com/in/yervantk/ www.vartotechnologies.com
Note: JAG is grateful for the continued support of Varto Technologies. They will be hosting JAG’s general meeting on September 24 at 12 noon. Lunch will be provided at 11:30am. You will also have the opportunity to tour their facility including the state-of-the-art control room pictured here.
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Category: Conference Reviews, Latest JAG News