What is a Broadcast FAX (Facilities Check)?

A broadcast facilities check (also called a “Facs” or “FAX”) is a test of functionality for every piece of equipment and element on a production. All operators and engineers are typically involved in the FAX. Everything is checked such as audio channels, camera feeds, tallies, switcher elements, graphic elements, playback, replay, and more.

FAX sometimes also refers to transmission checks with the network or other destination - which is when an engineer on the receiving end of the broadcast checks for issues in the transmission either from satellite or streaming.

There is some debate in the industry on the spelling of “facs” or “FAX”. Instead of repeating these arguments, a Reddit thread discussing this issue is linked here.