FCC Looks To Strengthen EAS

The FCC has adopted proposed rules to strengthen the Emergency Alert System (EAS), a national public warning system through which broadcasters, cable TV providers and other participants’ delivery of emergency information, such as weather alerts, to the public.

The proposals are intended to improve EAS by facilitating involvement on the state and local levels, supporting greater testing and awareness of the system, leveraging technological advances, and enhancing EAS security.

The notice of proposed rulemaking includes proposals to encourage more strategic investment in EAS at the state and local level by streamlining, automating and improving the utility of state EAS plans filed with the regulator. It also authorises state and local alert originators and EAS participants to conduct periodic ‘live’ EAS tests. Federal, state and local government will be able to issue public service announcements using the EAS attention signal.

The FCC is also seeking comments on other issues, such as measures to enhance EAS security, whether technological advancements have improved cable operators’ ability to offer more informative and specific alert content, and assessing and meeting public expectations for receiving alerts as content is viewed across different technology platforms.