APMG to Pay $86K Over Unauthorized EAS Tone Broadcasts

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 2:16pm CT

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

American Public Media Group (APMG) will pay an $86,400 penalty and implement new compliance safeguards after the Federal Communications Commission resolved an investigation into the improper broadcast of Emergency Alert System (EAS) tones across hundreds of public radio outlets.

The FCC Enforcement Bureau found that on May 24, 2023, APMG transmitted EAS tones and portions of NOAA tornado-warning audio during an episode of the BBC program Witness History titled "Chasing the World's Biggest Tornado." The tones were aired without any actual emergency, authorized test, or qualifying public service announcement. According to the Commission, the program containing the tones was broadcast on all 46 stations licensed to Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) and Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), as well as approximately 500 affiliated noncommercial stations that carry APM-distributed programming.

Federal rules strictly prohibit the use of real or simulated EAS tones outside of genuine alerts or authorized tests. Regulators have long warned that misuse risks causing public confusion and "alert fatigue," reducing the effectiveness of the system during real emergencies. The FCC received multiple notifications from the public flagging the improper use of the tones, prompting the Enforcement Bureau to investigate. Bureau staff confirmed the presence of EAS header tones and tornado-warning audio within the BBC segment.

To settle the case, APMG entered into a Consent Decree in which it admits the factual record, agrees to pay the $86,400 amount, and commits to establishing a formal compliance regime. The organization will designate a compliance officer, create internal operating procedures to prevent unauthorized EAS tone use, distribute a compliance manual to relevant staff, and conduct regular training. It must also report any future noncompliance to the FCC and file compliance reports over a two-year period.

With the Consent Decree adopted, the FCC has terminated its investigation and dismissed all related complaints. In the absence of new evidence, the Commission also stated it will not question APMG's qualifications to hold broadcast licenses based on this matter.