WASHINGTON, DC --The NAB Show has announced the participants in a session titled "Putting the Final Touches on Next-Generation EAS." The session takes place Wednesday, April 14 at the NAB Show in Las Vegas and is a joint presentation of the show's Broadcast Management Conference and Broadcast Engineering Conference. The session kicks off with opening remarks by Damon Penn, Assistant Administrator of the National Continuity Programs (NCP) for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The session will also feature initial remarks by Rear Admiral (Ret.) James Barnett, chief, FCC Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. Panelists for the session include Antwane Johnson, FEMA division director and program manager; Suzanne Goucher, president and CEO, Maine Association of Broadcasters; Thomas Beers, chief, FCC Policy Division and Wade Witmer, FEMA deputy division director.
The panel discussion, lead by moderator Larry Walke, associate general counsel, NAB, will make clear the important role that broadcasters play in Emergency Alert Systems (EAS). The session will also elaborate on whether station responsibilities could change as the government implements the next generation of EAS.
FEMA is rolling out a new Common Alerting Protocol that will allow the same warning message to be delivered for many different warning systems, and the FCC is exploring a new process of required annual nationwide EAS testing. Attendees will learn more about these developments and what the impending changes could mean for broadcasters.
Penn's opening remarks will focus on the implementation of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) and its impact on the EAS and broadcasters. Penn began serving in his current position in September 2009 when he joined NCP after retiring from the U.S. Army as a Colonel. His military career included senior staff positions, leadership of an advisory team in Iraq, and brigade and battalion commands.
Penn's association with FEMA began in 2004 when he served as the Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) for Florida. There he was part of the FEMA emergency response team, responsible for all Department of Defense assets, providing millions of pounds of relief supplies and other forms of support to assist the Florida emergency management effort. He also served as the DCO the following year in support of Mississippi's efforts during hurricane Katrina.
About the 2010 NAB Show
The NAB Show will take place 10-15 April, 2010 in Las Vegas (exhibits open 12 April). It is the world's largest electronic media show covering filmed entertainment and the development, management and delivery of content across all mediums. Complete details are available at www.nabshow.com.
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About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.