To save on rental costs, fill in on emergencies or to utilize equipment that isn't used often, government access channels lend equipment to each other. This is essential when a channel is doing a big shoot and needs extra lights, or a camera broke the day before a shoot. Imagine having available, not only your equipment, but the potential equipment resources of two-to-five other government access channels.
There are several elements need to be worked out between the channels involved for this to become successful. For example, neighboring channels must make efforts to buy similar equipment so it is interchangeable. In Santa Monica, CA and Lawndale, California they have the same cameras on their mobile production trucks so camera cables and other items can be loaned when long runs are needed. Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica, California use the same field production equipment so cameras can be loaned between each other in emergencies. Others have the same intercom systems so that during big productions, extra headsets and intercom stations can be set up.
Usually, equipment swapping is done on an informal basis and no money changes hands. It takes getting to know your fellow government access channels and building an atmosphere of trust and cooperation. It is comforting to know that someone can help you out when you need it.