[EAS] Anothe NPRM: Needless & Pointless Rule Making

[Mike Snyder]

So here we go again with another unfunded mandate that's basically a
solution looking for a problem.  And like previous EAS "fixes" such as CAP
and IPAWS, not to mention DTV itself, the onus is on broadcasters to send it
out, but NOT on manufacturers to make it easy for consumers to receive the
message in whatever format they need to.

I've been involved with this process on many levels for the past five years,
both as an Asst. CE at a PEP station, and as my state's EAS Chair and
Vice-Chair.  And I'm committed to do what I can to make the system better
and more responsive to user needs, no matter what kind of inane decrees come
to us from inside the beltway.  

But more and more I feel like Charlie Brown trying to kick the ball when
Lucy pulls it away.  We adapt and integrate new technologies, then before we
can even begin to implement them for our viewers and listeners, along comes
another change to make it "better".

First off, I agree with Clay's comment about leveling the playing field,
both between technologies and industries.  Not to mention Gary and Dave's
points about the receiving devices being easy to use. 

In addition, I think we should be pushing to get emergency alerts in
whatever form out from under the FCC and put it in FEMA's hands.  At least
they're in the business of emergency management.  

If the FCC wants to do something, let them mandate that EVERYONE, including
the cell-phone and broadband folks carry the emergency messages.  Until the
cell phone companies have to carry emergency alerts, just like broadcasters,
I think we're spinning our wheels.  

Anyway..my rant for the morning.  My thanks and respect to Richard, Clay,
Gary and others on BWWG.  This issue is going to occupy us for quite a
while.  Thank you all for the work you are doing.

Mike Snyder
New Mexico EAS Vice-Chair

-----------------------------
This email and any attachments transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager at postmaster at newmexicopbs.org. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail or by calling 505-277-2121 so that our address records can be corrected. If you have received this e-mail by mistake, delete this e-mail from your system. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. Thank You.

http://www.newmexicopbs.org