NAB Supports FEMA Reauthorization Act of 2011

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 19, 2012 | 2:40pm CT

In a letter to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith is voicing his support of H.R. 2903, the Federal Emergency Management Agency Reauthorization Act of 2011. NAB says the bill would strengthen FEMA's relationship with America's "first responders," local radio and TV broadcasters, during times of emergency. The bill would also modernize the nation's public alert and warning system.

"Local radio and TV stations serve communities during emergencies by providing life-saving information, important news and weather reports," wrote Smith. "The FEMA Reauthorization Act of 2011 is an important step towards expanding the nation's public warning system by integrating multiple communications systems and future technologies. This legislation promotes local and regional public and private partnerships, and provides redundant alert mechanisms to reach the largest number of people during an emergency."

Additionally, Smith said, the legislation establishes a training program to instruct federal, state, tribal and local government officials in system use. He noted that broadcasters are very supportive of such a training program and view this as a critical component to successful alerting.

"Strengthening coordination among the different levels of government, the legislation will set up an Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) Advisory Committee composed of federal, state and local representatives as well as members from various industry groups," said Smith.