Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
November 7, 2011
TV Tech Check

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.

As a result of this change, NAB has produced a 30-second closed-captioned public service announcement (PSA) in English and Spanish that reflect the shortening of the nationwide EAS test. To download the spot in standard or high definition, click here. If you have any technical questions or problems with the down load, please call (818) 260-8160 or email info@epk.tv.

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:

  • Sample scripts that you can use to customize your own spot;

  • Guidance on the FCC’s required test reporting system; and

  • FEMA’s EAS Best Practices Guide and EAS Toolkit.
    •

    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.

    NAB Accepting Nomination for 2012
    NAB Engineering Achievement Awards

    NAB is currently accepting nominations for the 2012 NAB Engineering Achievement Awards. Established in 1959, the NAB Engineering Achievement Award is presented each year to an individual for their outstanding accomplishments in the broadcast industry. In 1991, NAB began giving awards separately for achievements in radio and television. The award winners will be recognized at the Technology Luncheon at 2012 NAB Show on April 18 in Las Vegas, Nev.

    Additional information and a nomination form are available on NAB’s website. The deadline for nominations is January 23, 2012.

    REMINDER
    Don't forget to check to see if your PSIP generator is sending the correct data. A month before the change in daylight savings time (November 6 this year), it is required to send specific data in the STT. Right now, the DS_day_of_month field must contain the value 7, and the DS_hour field must contain the time when the stations will switch (officially 2, but some stations may transition at a different time). The DS_status bit must be "1" indicating it is still daylight saving time.






    The November 7, 2011 TV TechCheck is also available in an Adobe Acrobat file. Please click here to read the Adobe Acrobat version of TV TechCheck.



    ADVERTISEMENTS