SiriusXM’s decision this spring to temporarily nix EAS Required Weekly Test (RWT) on its preview satellite channel has caught the attention of alerting experts in the broadcast engineering community.
It’s an important development since many states use the so-called “barker-channel” in their EAS plans as a redundant source for radio stations to receive national-level tests and alerts. The channel is used to help fill out gaps in the National Public Warning System, aka the Primary Entry Point network, according to observers.
In a statement to Radio World, SiriusXM said that a “longstanding technical partner asked that they no longer retransmit their weekly test in May 2026.” Those familiar with developments said SiriusXM had been retransmitting the RWT of WTOP(FM) in Washington.
The company ended transmitting RWTs in May. It said it then began “an evaluation process to determine a best path forward.”
SiriusXM did not need the FCC’s permission to end the weekly EAS tests. It has continued to relay monthly EAS tests and other required EAS transmissions.
The company is required by the FCC to carry national EAS alerts across all of its satellite channels but not on its streaming channels.
SiriusXM says it plans to resume the weekly EAS tests later this year, according to the statement.
“To ensure the public continues to benefit from this service, we are moving ahead with plans to originate the weekly test via our own system. We expect weekly EAS testing on our satellite network to resume by the end of summer,” according to the statement.
The “barker channel” is an un-hosted channel with an audio loop that often is used to promote the satellite service to new vehicle buyers in order to get them to activate a satellite radio subscription. The feeds are also used on sports play-by-play channels to broadcast an audio loop guiding listeners to that day’s scheduled game locations.
The SiriusXM statement continued: “SiriusXM has a long history of supporting public safety communications, including more than two decades of providing services to public safety entities and close collaboration with FEMA. As part of that commitment, SiriusXM broadcasts Emergency Alert System messages to all satellite radios, even those without an active subscription.
“These transmissions help provide the public with critical information during natural disasters and other emergencies, including hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfires.”
For broadcasters, any impact will likely be minimized once SiriusXM resumes the RWT on its preview satellite channel later this year, observers told us.
One person familiar with these developments told Radio World that a SiriusXM “self-originated test” is the best outcome possible for all parties.
“I imagine that SiriusXM is going to purchase and install an EAS unit to be able to run the RWT themselves,” said Larry Wilkins, chairman of the Alabama State Emergency Communications Committee.
Alabama’s EAS monitor service, which creates a database from nearly 200 EAS units in the state, includes SiriusXM receptions, Wilkins said.
“Like all EAS sources, SiriusXM RWT’s help engineers be assured the source is working correctly,” Wilkins said.
[Related: “Broadcast Engineers React to New Cybersecurity Requirements”]
