[EAS] Should the RWT EAS Code be abolished?

[Alex Hartman]

RWTs prove the system works. How many here get them weekly, see them,
and check them off? The RWT is the proof that the national test was
not a failure at the local/broadcast level. Testing the system weekly
is why we test it. If it fails, someone figures out why at some level,
and usually pretty quickly.

Here in MN, the NWS does not test, but the PEP and LPs do, every
Wednesday at 1pm. You can set your watch by it. Our active weather
patterns have dictated that the NWS is only for weather alerts, and
should not initiate any testing of any kind. (we even have an in-house
rule, no EAS RWTs during severe weather, it's just bad practice)

Doing away with these tests leaves the broadcasters in the (in)capable
hands of FEMA and the Federal government. Even if we give them input
on how it *should* work, they'll find a way to screw it up, have no
fear in that.

I think the broadcasters should "rise" up on FEMA and explain to them
(maybe the NAB?) just how this should work. FEMA has no position in
reality, whereas we sit in it every day. What they think is a good
idea on paper, fails horribly in the field. (New Orleans anyone?)

No, i'm a keen believer in the RWT/RMT system as it sits. As has been
pointed out, it verifies receptions for many other alerts. If i don't
get an RWT, i'm not getting the TOR or the EAN either, right? It's a
test that my stuff works, anything beyond that is not my concern...
technically speaking.

In this case, the RWT system is a "one size fits all" boot. It does
one thing and it does it well. It tells me that the thing is working,
and making it's way through the chain, *as designed*.

--
Alex Hartman