[BC] Fine? 5k for eas botch?

[Sid Schweiger]

"The ONLY thing required to forward is RMTs and Presidential Messages."

As a matter of obeying the letter of the regulations, yes.  However, as a practical/political matter, as (hopefully) an active participant in one's community, failing to warn of a local disaster which could cost lives is a hole you will not extricate yourself from, no matter how hard you try.  Trying to explain to local officials that you refuse to participate in EAS because of a Washington regulatory agency run amok is going to ring very hollow if they perceive, whether based in reality or not, that your station could have warned the area and failed to do so, thus possibly costing some local citizens their lives.  Funerals and destroyed houses cause emotions to run very high.  By way of illustration, I give you one word: "Minot."

Sid Schweiger
IT Manager, Entercom New England
20 Guest St / 3d Floor
Brighton MA  02135-2040