Special via David Oxenford, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP Last week, the FCC issued a Public Notice announcing an August 11, 2021 nationwide EAS test, with a backup date of August 25 if there are conditions that prevent the test from occurring on the initial date. The test is scheduled for 2:20 PM EDT. For broadcasters, this test will… read more
The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday (6/17) unanimously approved several updates to its rules governing the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The FCC concluded alert repetition can be integrated into alert origination software as an automated function. That will allow the alert originator to program how, when, and for which EAS event codes it will need… read more
FEMA has announced the dates for this year’s EAS National Periodic Test (NPT). The primary date is August 11, 2021 with the backup on August 25, 2021. The test will take place at 2:20 p.m. EDT. State SECC Chairman Gary Blievernicht said due to the NPT, all Required Monthly Tests (RMT) for August are cancelled. … read more
The Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) has issued helpful guidance to stations about what to do in light of the failure of an IPAWS Required Weekly Test on Monday (4/26): When FEMA issues an IPAWS test or alert it includes a “signature certificate.” This operates similar to a password for accessing different sites or files… read more
Following false weather service alerts that went out this month across Kansas and Missouri warning of imminent danger from a tornado that did not exist, Federal Communications Commission Acting Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said Wednesday (3/17) that a system needs to be created to track false emergency alerts so lessons can be learned from the errors,… read more
Additional resources, tips for listeners and viewers and graphics are available here. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared March 21-27 to be Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week. Broadcasters and Emergency Management partners statewide are encouraging Michiganders to conduct a statewide tornado drill at 1 p.m. ET Wednesday, March 24. Broadcaster participation will take place with an… read more
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared March 21-27 to be Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week. Broadcasters and Emergency Management partners statewide are encouraging Michiganders to conduct a statewide tornado drill at 1 p.m. ET Wednesday, March 24. Broadcaster participation will take place with an EAS Required Monthly Test at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24. As… read more
The Federal Communications Commission is reminding broadcasters and other EAS participants of their obligations to comply with the Emergency Alert System rules, including ensuring that alerts are accessible to persons with disabilities. “In reporting on the most recent national level test of the EAS, the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau noted improvements in… read more
The lame duck session of Congress has delivered its first move that could directly impact radio. On a voice vote this week, the House passed the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement Act or “READI Act” (H.R. 6096). It would, among other things, require radio and television stations to repeat alerts issued by the president, rather… read more
Users of Sage and DASDEC ENDEC EAS equipment are reminded that a signing certificate used by FEMA to validate CAP alerts will expire on October 28, 2020 at 14:05:29 UTC. Manufacturers have released a firmware update that you must install to permit your ENDEC to continue to receive EAS CAP alerts from FEMA after that date…. read more