[EAS] Clarifications re FCC CVAA emergency information requirements vs. EAS

[Ed Czarnecki]

Dear colleagues:  

Over the past few weeks, we’ve received a flurry of calls regarding the Nov.
30, 2015 "CVAA" deadline for emergency information support by television
broadcasters.  There is much apparent confusion on the differences between
the imminent FCC requirements of the Twenty-First Century Communications and
Video Accessibility Act, versus more well-known EAS requirements.

Please see:
http://www.digitalalertsystems.com/pdf/BeltwayNews_October2015.pdf

The above bulletin provides our understanding of the different requirements
of CVAA vs. EAS, and what CVAA really requires of broadcasters by Nov. 30th.
In short, CVAA requires TV broadcasters to include the audio version of any
textual "emergency information" on their secondary audio channel.  And
"emergency information" is different - and broader - than EAS alerts.  Our
bulletin goes through this in some detail.

Hopefully this helps clarify the two FCC requirements.

Best regards,
Ed

Edward Czarnecki, PhD 
Senior Director – Strategy  & Global Government Affairs
Monroe Electronics / Digital Alert Systems
www.digitalalertsystems.com