[EAS] The Message Continued

[Barry Mishkind]

At 03:44 PM 3/15/2011, Skinner, Jim wrote:
>I for one really appreciate your question.  Why are broadcasters
>responsible to purchase, install, maintain and test emergency alerting
>equipment, yet no one is required to generate alerts?  

        Jim ... this reflects the changes in the industry
        from when radio/tv was a local, live, public 
        service.  That is not to say some stations are not,
        but the reality is that deregulation has changed
        the tenor of broadcast content, leaving, as you
        said an unequal situation where there are
        requirements on one part, but not on the rest.
        This is perhaps the biggest challenge, especially
        in areas where there has been tension
        between broadcaster and EM agencies.

>The Nebraska SECC has a goal of encouraging a whole system.  We want
>broadcasters and cable systems to partner with Emergency Managers & NWS.
>Especially in these days where stations and cable systems are often
>unmanned, EAS is becoming more important than ever.  

        It can happen, but will take more than just
        the tech community. The entire ownership,
        management, and programming departments
        will need to buy in, and spend time with the
        EMs, etc, to develop rapport - not entirely unlike 
        the personal appearances the jox used to make
        a schools, etc

>It is not about what we have missed.  It is about being prepared.
>Hopefully you will never need the fire extinguisher in your kitchen, but
>it is good to have one there. 

        And... in every case where radio or TV has been
        proactive and let folks know, they become
        a valued asset to the community.

        On the other hand, reverse 911 continues to
        be a bad joke.