Public Radio Stations Over $500,000 for EAS Upgrades

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 16, 2024 | 11:04am CT

Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)

Two public radio stations, Raven Radio in Sitka, AK and WCLK in Atlanta have been awarded grants totaling up to $508,234 by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). This funding, sourced from the Next Generation Warning System (NGWS) grant program and supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), aims to enhance emergency alert capabilities at these stations.

The grants are part of a broader initiative where CPB has distributed funds to 40 public media stations across 22 states. "Public media stations are pivotal in providing emergency alert services in their communities," stated CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison. She emphasized the importance of upgrading infrastructure to ensure community safety, particularly in rural areas.

KCAW (Raven Radio) will receive up to $313,203 to extend the reach of their broadcast signal into underserved areas, increasing both coverage and reliability. Meanwhile, WCLK, affiliated with Clark Atlanta University, will use their grant of up to $195,331 to replace outdated equipment to enhance their station's emergency alert system and reduce broadcast interruptions.

Manny Centeno, Director of FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), highlighted the importance of integrating various communication channels to effectively disseminate emergency information. "We are committed to developing and improving the Next Generation Warning System to ensure comprehensive coverage and continuity across different media platforms," he explained.

The NGWS program received an initial allocation of $40 million from Congress for Fiscal Year 2022, followed by $56 million for Fiscal Year 2023. With around 170 applications in the latest round, FEMA has confirmed a third round of funding from the FY 2024 budget to continue supporting this vital infrastructure.