FCC Shortens Length of the Nationwide EAS Test

On Thursday November 4, 2011, the FCC and FEMA announced that the Nationwide EAS Test scheduled for November 9 at 2 p.m. EST has been shortened. The audio message delivered as part of the test will now last 30 seconds instead of the originally planned two and a half minutes. This will result in a total test time of approximately 45 - 60 seconds (including the data burst tones).

A Public Notice released by the FCC last Thursday stated:

"After a careful review of the technical elements of the test, FEMA and the FCC have concluded that a thirty-second test will allow the agencies to effectively assess the reliability and effectiveness of the EAS as a way to alert the public of national emergencies with limited disruption to the public."

The Public Notice also announced that there is a revised FCC Nationwide EAS Test Handbook, reflecting the new thirty second test message length. In addition, the FCC stated that all EAS Participants, including broadcasters, should consult and use the updated version of the Handbook, and also reminded licensees that a copy of the Handbook must be located at normal duty positions or EAS equipment locations when an operator is required to be on duty and be immediately available to staff responsible for administering the Nationwide EAS Test.

Additional resources regarding the test are available on NAB's website, including radio and television PSAs produced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). On the website, you will also find:

If you have any questions regarding the EAS test, please contact NAB's Legal and Regulatory department at (866) 682-0276 or (202) 429-5430 or NAB Technology department at 202-429-5346.

Stations can also contact the FCC directly. Contact Tom Beers, Chief, Policy Division, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, (202) 418-0952; or Gregory Cooke, Associate Chief, Policy Division, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, (202) 418-2351.

FCC Releases Public Notice Requesting Comment on Asymmetric Sideband Operation for FM IBOC

Last week the FCC released a Public Notice requesting comment whether FM digital radio broadcasters should be authorized to use asymmetric digital sideband power on a voluntary basis. This Notice is a result of a request by iBiquity Digital Corporation and NPR Labs who met with Media Bureau staff to discuss asymmetric sideband operation and who filed technical reports on experimentation with the same.

Use of asymmetric digital sidebands may be advantageous for broadcasters with a closely-spaced first-adjacent channel neighbor on one side but not on the other, since this would allow for the maximum possible digital power for each sideband consistent with FCC rules allowing for operation using elevated digital sideband power. In the notice, the Commission tentatively concludes that it would be expedient to modify Form FCC 335-FM, currently used for Digital Notifications, to accommodate requests for increased digital power and/or operation with asymmetric digital sideband power.

Comments on these matters will be due on or before 21 days after the date of publication of a summary of the Notice in the Federal Register, and reply comments on or before 35 days after that date.