NAB Resources Help Prepare for National EAS Test

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, October 12, 2011

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has announced new resources to assist broadcasters with the first-ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS), to be held on November 9 at 2pm ET. The resources will help local radio and TV stations prepare for the test and raise public awareness.

The National EAS Test, conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the FCC, will be a diagnostic exercise to determine the reliability and effectiveness of the system. All EAS participants, including every radio and TV station across the country, must participate in the test.

Participants will not be judged on a "pass-fail" basis regarding their performance in the test, but must report to the FCC certain results of the exercise within 45 days. Radio and TV stations will need to report on whether, and from whom, they received the EAS test message and whether they rebroadcast it to the public, among other information.

To assist broadcasters in meeting requirements of the test, NAB has created a simple checklist of relevant information for every phase of the National EAS Test. The checklist provides steps for broadcasters to ensure their equipment is ready for the exercise, and what actions are required of them during and after the test.

In addition, NAB has teamed with FEMA and the FCC to distribute radio and television public service announcements (PSAs) to promote Americans' awareness of the test. NAB encourages broadcasters to begin airing the PSAs at least one week before the test, and with increasing frequency as November 9 approaches.