FCC's Emergency Alert Plan Sparks Diverse Stakeholder Views
The FCC has received a range of comments regarding its plans to update emergency alerting systems, including the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). Stakeholders, including National Public Radio (NPR) and REC Networks, have shared their views on the proposed changes.
NPR urged the FCC to proceed carefully with emergency messaging over broadband, suggesting that radio remains the most reliable method for reaching the public during emergencies. REC Networks, meanwhile, supported the requirement for Low Power FM (LPFM) stations to have EAS decoders to ensure timely emergency communications. However, REC Networks opposed complex cybersecurity requirements for small stations and criticized the FCC's proposed template-based multilingual technology. iHeartMedia, the largest radio group in the U.S., emphasized the importance of radio in emergency situations and highlighted how its WWNC(AM) station in Asheville, N.C., remained operational during Hurricane Helene in 2024. REC Networks also called for the FCC to create separate categories for radio stations and issue tailored EAS requirements for each, arguing against a one-size-fits-all approach.
The FCC's proposed rulemaking to modernize emergency alerting has sparked a range of responses from stakeholders. While some, like NPR, emphasize the importance of preserving radio's role, others, such as REC Networks, call for more tailored requirements for different types of stations. iHeartMedia, meanwhile, underscores the reliability of radio during emergencies. The FCC will now consider these comments as it moves forward with its plans.
