Details of EAS Expansion, Review Emerge

The FCC has released details of an EAS item, on which it voted last week, expanding the Emergency Alert System rules to include digital radio and TV stations as well as satellite radio, satellite TV and direct broadcast satellite services.
In a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the commission seeks comments on ways to develop a comprehensive digital EAS system, how EAS can more effectively reach people with vision and hearing disabilities, as well as those who do not speak English as their primary language.
Issues relating to participation of state and local authorities in EAS are also up for discussion.
Comments to EB Docket 04-296 are due 60 days after the EAS item is published in the Federal Register.