[BC] Yes, EAS works!

[Cowboy]

On Thursday 14 June 2012 12:13:12 pm Lotus Engineering wrote:
> I have to disagree.  The public needs to know that when they hear those duck farts it is a test of a system that may save their lives.

 Though you and I seldom disagree, this is one of those times.

 EBS proved beyond the shadow of any doubt, that repeated
 test announcements quickly teach the public at large to tune out,
 and tune out as quickly as possible. Young women seem to be the
 most adept at hitting the button in the first millisecond or so.

 As such, the absolutely most unobtrusive way possible is, IMHO best.
 For tests, run the duck farts with NO announcement whatever, and
 preferably at times of lowest listenership, such as between commercials.
 Quickest, and least intrusive. The system was *designed* for exactly this !
 This way, we also teach the public that if there is any announcement
 at all, it's time to tune *IN,* not out.
 By not having a script, they won't learn ( and you've got about 4 words
 in which to convey anything ) that it's *always* "This is a test..."
 As a result, absolutely anything that begins with "This is a" is a really,
 really bad idea.

 We like to think we're doing good, but the reality is the public doesn't
 care if we save their lives, and care even less about anyone *else's* life,
 if it in *any* way interrupts Dancing with the Stars, or who won
 on America's <insert any of 6 dozen program names here> !

 Crying "WOLF!" ( the duck farts and test announcements ) ad nauseam
 and in perpetuity accomplishes no good whatever. ( IMHO )
 What passes for news has already taught the public that radio especially
 is worthless when it matters, and TV is questionable at best.

-- 
Cowboy