EAS Fine Seen Showing Need to Be Ready for Nationwide Test as FCC Issues Notification
The FCC notified broadcasters of the upcoming nationwide emergency alert system test and opened the EAS test reporting system (ETRS) for 2017 filings, in a public notice in docket 15-94 Monday. In preparation for the Sept. 27 test, broadcasters should…
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make sure their EAS systems are ready, including ensuring that the EAS handbook is available to operators, that their equipment is functional, and that software is up to date, the PN said. Broadcasters also should make sure their ETRS identifying information hasn’t changed, since Form 1 filings are due by Aug. 28, the PN said. Broadcasters will need to file info in ETRS by the day of the test, and file post-test information by Nov. 13, the PN said. Meanwhile, a recent proposal to slap an Alaska broadcaster with a $66,000 fine partly over failure to follow EAS rules (see 1707190040) should be a warning to broadcasters about the nationwide test (see 1707180042), Wilkinson Barker broadcast attorney David Oxenford blogged Monday. “This is a good time for stations to insure that they are monitoring the correct EAS sources as required by their state EAS plan, that they have their online EAS CAPS [common alerting protocols] alert systems functional, and that they are properly receiving, conducting and logging their weekly and monthly tests.” The FCC’s investigation into the Alaska matter seems to have been triggered by the station’s EAS problems, and the EAS aspects were highlighted in the news release on the notice of apparent liability, he said.