FCC Chairman Brandon Carr has revealed plans for a comprehensive review of the Emergency Alert Systems (EAS) starting in August 2025.
“In three weeks, we will vote to launch a thorough re-examination of the EAS,” Carr stated. The EAS delivers critical alerts via TV and radio, while Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) send notifications to mobile devices.
With systems dating back 31 and 13 years, respectively, Carr emphasized the need to assess whether structural updates are necessary to incorporate modern technology and enhance life-saving capabilities.
While Carr did not specify potential changes, he also announced a review of the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS), established in 2007 to collect real-time data on network outages and recovery during major disasters.
Although DIRS provides valuable insights for recovery efforts, Carr noted its reports can be resource-intensive, diverting attention from active disaster response. The FCC will vote on reforms to streamline DIRS, ensuring its benefits outweigh its operational burdens.