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Timm: New EAS Reporting Forms Are a Welcome Change

Forms will be available prior to nationwide test this fall

The story has been updated to reflect the correct date for the upcoming EAS test in September. It is Sept. 28, not Sept. 2.

The new Emergency Alert System Test Reporting System guidelines previewed by the Federal Communications Commission offer stations clear and concise parameters, so says a nationally respected EAS observer and expert. Radio broadcasters should find a welcome change when using the ETRS forms to report on a test for the next nationwide EAS test this fall.

“Although things could change in the final version when ETRS is launched, the screens and fields in this initial release appear very easy for broadcasters to understand and complete,” said Gary Timm, broadcast chair for the Wisconsin State Emergency Communications Committee.

Timm lauded the system for its ability to prepopulate forms with station information drawn from other FCC databases, and for its ability to allow for batch filing by licensees that own numerous stations. In this way, stations will not be required to enter each station’s information individually.

“This will greatly ease the task of stations completing these forms,” he said, “… and will be a great time saver for station group owners.”

A forthcoming URL from the FCC will allow applicants to access the ETRS registration form on the commission website. All EAS participants must register an account to access the ETRS.

Timm said that stations should keep an eye out for further ETRS developments. Later this year, the FCC will release a Public Notice to announce the official launch of ETRS; this will trigger a 60-day period during which all stations must complete their initial station information in ETRS Form One. 

The nationwide EAS test is scheduled for Sept. 28. More information on the information released in the FCC’s Public Notice can contact members of the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau — Austin Randazzo, (202) 418-1462 or James Wiley, (202) 418-1678.

The original FCC Public Notice can be found here.

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