NAB Backs Voluntary Software-Based EAS Model

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | 2:00pm CT

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is urging the FCC to move forward with a voluntary software-based approach to the Emergency Alert System, arguing that it could improve reliability, flexibility and cybersecurity while reducing broadcasters' dependence on dedicated EAS hardware.

In comments filed August 29, NAB supported the Commission's consideration of rule changes allowing EAS participants to process alerts through software rather than the physical hardware devices required under current rules. The proceeding stems from an NAB petition filed in March 2025 seeking modernization of the system.

NAB said software-based EAS could better integrate emergency alerting into modern IP-based broadcast air chains, support remote monitoring and maintenance and allow redundant EAS operations at multiple locations. Software updates could also add new capabilities or address security vulnerabilities without requiring engineers to visit individual EAS units.

The association stressed that the software option should remain voluntary, allowing stations that prefer traditional EAS hardware to continue using it. NAB also supports flexibility permitting software to operate on a station server or computer or be integrated into other broadcast systems.

However, NAB drew a line at moving EAS entirely into the cloud. It said software-based EAS should operate locally at a station or transmitter and remain functional if internet service is lost. The group argued that dependence on cloud connectivity could create additional risks during emergencies when telecommunications networks may be disrupted.

NAB also supported FCC testing and certification of EAS software before it can be marketed and used. The association said the process could be modeled on certification procedures already used for EAS hardware, with software developers responsible for having their products tested and certified.

On cybersecurity, NAB said certified EAS software should come from trusted sources and operate on trusted hardware or within secure broadcast equipment. It opposed extraordinary monitoring or periodic recertification requirements that would treat software-based EAS differently from other IP-connected components in a modern broadcast air chain.

NAB opposed one significant FCC proposal: reducing the time allowed to repair or replace defective software-based EAS equipment from the current 60 days to 72 hours. The association called the shorter deadline premature and potentially impractical, noting that stations generally test EAS functionality and review test logs weekly, meaning some problems might not even be discovered within 72 hours.

Instead, NAB asked the FCC to retain the 60-day period until broadcasters and regulators gain real-world experience with software-based systems.

The association generally supported other proposed EAS improvements, including stronger authentication of alerts, better geotargeting and a universal alert identifier intended to reduce duplicate warnings, provided the changes don't force broadcasters to replace existing equipment or make EAS operations more complicated.

NAB also supported allowing broadcasters to add standardized visual symbols identifying types of emergencies, but said their use should be voluntary. The group noted that implementing symbols could be particularly challenging for radio, where their display would depend on receivers such as HD Radio-equipped vehicle dashboards.