Wed, 09 Aug 2023 08:20:00 -0400
FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) this fall.
The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4.
The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. This will be the third nationwide test, but the second test to all cellular devices. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.
The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. This will be the seventh nationwide EAS test.
FEMA and the FCC are coordinating with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers and other stakeholders in preparation for this national test to minimize confusion and to maximize the public safety value of the test.
The purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is Oct. 11.
The WEA portion of the test will be initiated using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a centralized internet-based system administered by FEMA that enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks. The WEA test will be administered via a code sent to cell phones.
This year the EAS message will be disseminated as a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) message via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System-Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN).
Beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message.
WEA alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas. To help ensure that these alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, the alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration.
For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
Tue, 08 Aug 2023 09:06:31 -0400
In response to Meta blocking news on Facebook and Instagram for Canadian users after the passage of Canada’s Online News Act, the following joint statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt and CAB President Kevin Desjardins:
“As national associations representing broadcasters in the U.S. and Canada, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) strongly urge lawmakers to support legislation that enables news providers to negotiate with dominant digital platforms for fair terms and conditions when our content appears on their platforms.
“Meta – a nearly trillion-dollar company – repeatedly chooses to restrict news content for its users to avoid compensating news producers for the value it gains on their vital journalism. These retaliatory tactics demonstrate Meta’s monopolistic dominance over the advertising marketplace and its ability to dictate how radio and TV broadcasters, newspapers and others can reach audiences online. Rather than working to ensure its users have access to trusted news and information, Meta is holding news content on its platform hostage.
“Policymakers should not reward Meta’s coercive behavior. At a time when misinformation, disinformation and AI-generated content proliferate online, the future of democracy relies on the accessibility of fact-based, trustworthy journalism.”
Thu, 03 Aug 2023 07:54:00 -0400
The Federal Communications Commission has adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that seeks to give digital FM and Low Power FM stations more flexibility to increase digital power levels. This would encourage more FM broadcasters to adopt digital technology and would make digital broadcasts available to a greater number of listeners.
Broadcasters and consumers increasingly prefer digital FM radio because it delivers better sound quality than traditional analog FM service. Currently, over 2,000 FM stations broadcast digitally, providing listeners with enhanced sound quality, song information, and other data through their FM broadcast radio signals. The NPRM seeks comment on two proposals and asks whether these changes will benefit the public or impact existing FM services. Specifically, the NPRM proposes to change the way an FM station can determine its maximum permissible digital power level, thus expanding the number of stations that can broadcast at higher digital power levels. Additionally, it proposes to allow FM stations to operate their digital sidebands at different power levels in order to give broadcasters greater flexibility to maximize power while avoiding interference. These proposed actions would offer more efficient FM digital operation, increase digital signal coverage and provide a more robust digital signal for reception inside buildings.
Thu, 27 Jul 2023 08:15:00 -0400
In response to the Senate Commerce Committee's passage today of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt:
"NAB applauds today's Senate Commerce Committee passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. This legislation will ensure that the tens of millions of AM radio listeners across the country retain access to local news, diverse community programming and emergency information. Moreover, this legislation enables AM radio’s continued role as the backbone of the nation’s Emergency Alert System.
Under the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, the Secretary of Transportation has one year to establish a standard for all new motor vehicles in the U.S. to come with AM radio reception and playback. This feature should be clearly visible on the vehicle's dashboard. Between the legislation’s enactment and the new standard taking effect, cars lacking AM radio receivers must be explicitly labeled for buyers.
"We thank Sens. Markey and Cruz, Chair Cantwell and the bipartisan cosponsors of this bill for their leadership to safeguard AM radio's pivotal role in keeping the public informed when disaster strikes. We urge swift passage of this important legislation."
Tue, 25 Jul 2023 07:56:00 -0400
Cobalt Digital has announced plans to present its UltraBlue IP-MV line of IP multiviewers, WAVE RTR 64×64 router line optimized for 12G SDI, the new Pacific ULL Decoder, and a new 20-slot frame compatible with openGear all at IBC 2023.
The designer and manufacturer of edge devices for live video production and master control, and a founding partner in the openGear initiative is also highlighting popular units from its recently launched Sapphire series of ST 2110 converters in a new stand – 10.F42, providing an exciting fresh backdrop for industry professionals to experience the Company’s solutions firsthand.
Suzana Brady, SVP of worldwide sales and marketing for Cobalt suggests visitors catch the blue WAVE of innovation at the Company’s new location. Brady explains, “As a trusted name in the broadcast technology sector, Cobalt has consistently delivered state-of-the-art products that target the needs of today’s broadcasters while bringing solutions to market that anticipate the challenges of an industry in transition. At IBC 2023 we are highlighting support for IP and 12G, presenting products that respect sustainability and space conservation, high density, automation, reliable video content transport and operation in the cloud. Our strong commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has resulted in consistent and feature-rich solutions that have been acknowledged for excellence with over 40 awards. We invite all IBC attendees to visit us at Stand 10.F42 and engage with our industry-leading professionals, explore cutting-edge solutions, and discover the possibilities that Cobalt’s products can unlock for your broadcasting needs.”