NAB: Don’t Mandate Local EAS Warnings

Mandatory requirements for state and local EAS warnings will not fix deficiencies in EAS.
That’s the bottom line to comments filed at the FCC by NAB along with the Association for Maximum Service Television.
The organizations said they support efforts to continue to improve EAS, including its extension to digital television and digital radio, but that “it is through broadcasters’ voluntary cooperation and a strengthening of state and local emergency plans that the government can best enhance public warnings.”
In a filing of 37 pages plus appendix, the organizations argue that the FCC lacks authority to mandate state and local EAS participation. They also said state and local warning mandates would not improve EAS; and said the FCC should not require broadcasters to turn over their stations to local emergency managers.