[EAS] Part 11 NPRM

[Bill Ruck]

At 08:35 AM 5/31/2011, you wrote:
>Hello all along the EAS network.....
>
>I spent part of the Holiday weekend trying to make some sense of 
>this with no luck.  It asks more questions than it answers and does 
>not get us one step closer to any solution.  I can best describe it 
>as an "EAS meltdown" (thanks to Warren Shulz for the quote).
>
>Taking a simple system that does work and complicating it to the 
>point where it won't is not a solution.  I am reminded of the 
>definition of a camel: a horse designed by a government committee.
>
>One glaring example.  Replacing the EAS handbook with "approved" 
>state and local plans.  First, when did the FCC gain jurisdiction 
>over state and local governments to force them to draft a 
>plan?  Second, what is the procedure to "approve" a state or local plan?

Wayne,

I, too, spent too much time reading over the NPRM this weekend.

The fundamental problem with this process is that there are now too 
many cooks in the kitchen.  FEMA has sort of taken the lead (for CAP) 
but they have no regulatory powers over broadcasting.  The FCC will 
shove it down broadcaster's throat.  Sideways, if necessary.  Maybe 
the President has the authority to activate the system but I 
seriously doubt that state and local officials have the authority for 
"must carry".  And there is absolutely no carrot or stick for state 
and local governments to do anything from writing a plan to actually 
using it.  Then there are all of the "other" delivery mechanisms that 
are not covered.  How can it be that a message is MANDATORY for 
broadcasters but OPTIONAL for cell phones and PDA's?

"I'm from the government and I am here to help you".  Be afraid, be 
very afraid.

Bill Ruck
Curmudgeon
NCFCC