On January 7, 2021, the Enforcement Bureau (“the Bureau”) released an Enforcement Advisory reminding Emergency Alert Systems Participants (“EAS Participants”) that they are obligated to comply with all EAS rules, including ensuring that EAS alerts are accessible to persons with disabilities.
The Bureau reminds EAS Participants that, under sections 11.1 through 11.61 of the Commission’s rules, they are required to:
- Ensure that EAS equipment’s monitoring and transmitting functions are available whenever the stations and systems are operating;
- Transmit national level EAS messages, required monthly tests, and required weekly tests;
- Ensure that an EAS message is accessible, by following all text display and audio requirements; and
- Annually submit their national test results to the FCC in the Reporting System.
In addition, EAS Participants are reminded that they are required to monitor: (1) the FEMA-administered Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Platform for EAS messages written in the Common Alerting Protocol; and/or (2) at least two broadcast-based distribution methods assigned by the EAS Participant’s state EAS Plan.
Failure to comply with these and other EAS rules may subject violators to substantial monetary forfeitures.
Please Contact Us if you have any questions.