[EAS] Alternative Monitoring Assignment

[Mike McCarthy]

Maybe it's me, but I would be hesitant to monitor anything not 
specifically assigned by the state plan, by rule or for specific 
carriage (like the NWS for TOR/FFW).  If one starts randomly monitoring 
other sources, they're encumbering an obligation to log the messages 
received and follow the rules on tracking missed tests.

I would also run up the flag pole this concept: If FEMA is so inclined 
to cast a wider blanket on PEP distribution that they're partnering with 
Premiere and NPR (and had a relationship with XM), then they should also 
approach AP, Cumulus, Dial-Global, Clear Channel Satellite, EMF, and the 
major TV networks (including PBS) to widen the PEP blanket and allow an 
overlay voluntary primary station particpation. With that level of 
integration, over 98% of all stations would have direct access to the 
PEP channel using existing infrastructure. The AM daisy chain would then 
be the failsafe of a given region.

I reserve suggesting the inclusion DBS TV folks as that's a can of worms 
due to the fact they directly re-transmit local station's "off air" content.

The only real common failure point to using satellite is a CME or other 
significant natural event which would take out multiple birds in the 
constellation. This is where AP, NPR, and the national TV networks 
collective diversity becomes relevant. They're all on different birds 
than AMC-8 (which carries most radio networks). Strength by diversity.

For stations with no satellite recievers or difficulty in routing a 
voice channel from a remote site, they could simply stick with the local 
plan.

MM

On 5/4/2013 9:55 PM, Gary Timm wrote:
> On monitoring Sirius/XM for EAN...
>   
> I would also say that until and unless FEMA officially designates Sirius/XM as a PEP station, an FCC inspector would not likely accept that as a valid alternate monitoring assignment.
>