INDIANAPOLIS � The Society of Broadcast Engineers EAS Advisory Group announced it is monitoring the FCC comment period for the proposed Blue Alert event code, EAS Advisory Group Chair Larry Wilkins writes.
Pres. Barack Obama signed legislation that created this new public emergency notification in May 2015. Several states have already created a Blue Alert via email, social media and/or website but not broadcast television or radio.
The SBE encourages broadcasters to weigh in on via the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System for docket PS 15-94 and reminds members that they should not yet add the proposed event code. However, the SBE encourages stations to check with their state broadcaster associations and/or state emergency communication committee to see if a Blue Alert program is in use for their state.�
The SECCs will be tasked with formulating a plan for creation and distribution of the new Blue Alerts if adopted.
The society will keep tabs on the progress and will update members on developments.
