The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a Public Notice seeking comment on several proposed changes to the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposes to: (1) establish a national location code for EAS alerts issued by the President; (2) amend the rules governing a national EAS test code for future nationwide tests; (3) require broadcasters, cable service providers, and other entities required to comply with the Commission’s EAS rules to file test result data electronically; and (4) require EAS Participants to meet minimum standards to ensure that EAS alerts are accessible to all members of the public, including those with disabilities. Comments on the Commission’s proposals are due 30 days from the date of Federal Register publication, which has not yet occurred. Replies will be due 15 days after the comment deadline.
