FCC Fines Pathfinder $46K Over EAS Tones

The FCC's Enforcement Bureau has entered a Consent Decree with Pathfinder Communications Corp. resolving an investigation into allegations that Pathfinder's News/Talk WTRC 95.3 FM in Niles, MI, misused the EAS tones by transmitting an advertisement that contained the EAS Attention Signal, absent an actual emergency or authorized test of the EAS.

Pathfinder admits that it violated the rules and it will implement a compliance plan, as well as paying a $46,000 penalty.

WTRC 95.3 FM (5.5Kw) 60dBu Coverage

To ensure that the EAS Attention Signal remains uniquely associated with actual emergency announcements, and thus retains its ability to instantly command the public's attention, the Commission prohibits misuse of the EAS Tones by any person. The agency says that frivolous, casual or other uses of EAS Tones for reasons other than their defined purpose can desensitize listeners to the warning tones and undermine the effectiveness of the system in the event of an actual emergency.