Broadcasters Want More Time to Update Emergency Alert System

There's a lot going on toward federally mandated update of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). This summer, FEMA will likely adopt Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) standards new digital equipment must use. A new standards-testing laboratory has been stood up. (See our earlier post.) FEMA, the FCC, and broadcast stations have plans in place for updating and adding Primary Entry Points (PEP), the broadcast stations that serve as the backbone of EAS. An EAS workshop was just announced by the FCC and FEMA. A national EAS exercise is in the works.

However, some broadcasters are concerned. They're not sure they'll have enough time to meet their deadlines. In comments filed with the FCC this week, the National Association of Broadcasters asked the feds to consider funding EAS training programs. NAB also said broadcasters, particularly in smaller communities, may have a tough time coming up with the money to buy the new equipment. At least, they want more time.

Once CAP standards are officially adopted, a 180-day window opens for broadcasters to have the new equipment in place. First, though, vendors must have their equipment CAP-certified by a new laboratory. Testing can't begin until CAP is adopted. Besides, says the NAB to the FCC, some stations and other EAS participants (schools and other public institutions) may not have money in their budgets for a mid-year expenditure. The NAB is not asking for a major change in the requirements, just more time.

Moving forward as fast as possible to update EAS is a good thing. The system is way overdue for overhaul, but the NAB has a good point. Having spent much of my teenaged years in a small radio station in rural Georgia, I can imagine the consternation over spending several thousand dollars on a new piece equipment that doesn't generate revenue. And, way back then, the radio business was more healthy. It seems to me that broadcasters generally welcome their role in EAS, even in these days when money is tighter and many stations don't employ as many people as they did back in the day. A larger window may make sense.

All the best,

Rick