EAS and Amber Alerts
Nationwide EAS Test Set for October 4 – Start Your Preparations Now
FEMA and the FCC announced that this year’s Nationwide EAS Test is scheduled for October 4, 2023 (with a back-up date of October 11 in case there is a real or threatened event that occurs around October 4). FEMA will transmit the nationwide test of the EAS at 2:20 pm EDT on October 4, 2023 using the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), the Internet-delivered warning system that has been required for broadcasters for about a dozen years.
Read MoreFEMA and FCC Plan Nationwide Emergency Alert Test for October 4, 2023
FEMA and the FCC announced August 3 that this year’s Nationwide EAS Test is scheduled for October 4, 2023 (with a back-up date of October 11). FEMA issued this Release about the test. The FCC issued a Public Notice which includes a list of recommended steps that broadcasters should take to prepare for the alert.
Read MoreEAS Software Upgrade Update
As a reminder, the FCC has enacted new rules that affect the programming of EAS decoders. All stations are required to install the updated software by December 12th, 2023. Stations should not to wait until the last minute to secure and install the updated software.
Read MoreBudget Now for EAS Upgrades
FCC-mandated changes to the Emergency Alert System are scheduled to go into effect on December 12. These changes may require software and/or hardware updates that broadcasters should budget for now.
Read MoreFCC Approves Michigan State EAS Plan
Michigan’s updated Emergency Alert System plan has been approved by the FCC. The MAB and State Emergency Communications Committee (SECC) received notice of the approval on December 29.
Read MoreFCC Issues Alert on DASDEC EAS Equipment
On November 23, 2022, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued an Advisory on security vulnerabilities in DASDEC EAS encoder/decoder devices sold by Digital Alert Systems (formerly Monroe Electronics).
Read MoreFCC Looks at EAS Rules – Requires That Broadcast Alerts Default to CAP, and Seeks Comments on Securing the System
At each of the last two of the FCC’s recent regular monthly open meetings, the Commission addressed EAS issues that affect broadcasters. In one case, it adopted new rules that will, among other things, require that broadcasters use on-air the “IPAWS” internet-delivered emergency message in the CAP format, if the broadcaster receives the alert in both the CAP and traditional over-the-air formats.
Read MoreStatewide Tornado Drill: Wednesday, March 23
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared March 20-26 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 23. Broadcaster participation will include a EAS Required Monthly Test at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23. As with all…
Read MoreMichigan National EAS Test Summary
On August 11, the FCC and FEMA conducted the National Period Test (NPT) of the Emergency Alert System, using the “daisy chain” exclusively throughout the country, starting with the Primary Entrance Point stations (PEP) as well as additional feeds through NPR, Premiere Radio Networks and Sirius/XM. Here in Michigan, WJR-AM (Detroit), the designated PEP for…
Read MoreFCC Reminds Television Stations of EAS Obligation to Persons with Disabilities
On July 21, the Enforcement Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an advisory to remind Emergency Alert System (EAS) Participants of the requirements to ensure that EAS alerts are visually and aurally accessible. This advisory is targeted at television broadcast stations, analog and digital cable systems, wireless cable systems, wireline video systems and…
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