The FCC is looking at questions raised recently by broadcasters, emergency response personnel and governments regarding the Emergency Alert System. Staffers are preparing a Notice of Inquiry and hope to release it in August, the commission confirmed to TV Technology's sister Web site, RW Online.
Questions about whether the national EAS could really be used in a crisis arose during recent meetings of the Media Security and Reliability Council and the Department of Homeland Security. Broadcasters at the meetings earlier this month said although most broadcasters have installed EAS encoders/decoders, it's not mandatory for emergency branches of local governments, leading to a communications breakdown at times.
The Partnership for Public Warning has also raised questions about reliable funding for the system.
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