[EAS] EAS monitoring sources

[Clay Freinwald]

MM wrote -

In my conversations (limited as they are) with EMA folks, one comment was
they don't get involved with EAS as they know local broadcasters (save for a
few) won't relay local messages and there is no other vehicle for
distribution to the public. So what's the point in going through all the
mechanics if there is nothing at the other end?

You bring up a good point - and also one of the critical needs for a fully
functioning LECC - in every operation area.

Without mandates that force broadcasters to air EAS messages you are left
with a huge question mark as to the validity of the system.   The way around
this is to involve all the parties so that you can have common goals.     We
found, early on, that one of the reasons broadcasters did not want to air
the alerts because of the way the sounded.    Then came the pilot project
for the IP based system that would permit the distribution  of MP3 audio
files that resolved that issue.   This solution would have never come to
pass if it were not for the discussions in our SECC that drove us -
collectively- to finding a solution.    

It is critical that EAS, at the local level, be operated with the two words
I keep using over and over - Cooperation and collaboration.    EAS at the
National Level can be, and is, a top-down system.   EAS at other levels must
be different.   The administration of the system must involve all the
stakeholders...Those that are the sources of the alerts and those that
distribute them to the public.   This is one of the most important role for
the LECC's...It's amazing what can happen when Emergency Managers site down
around the table with broadcasters with a common goal of alerting the public
so that lives can be saved.    

In larger metropolitan areas the attitudes of a lot of broadcasters,
frankly, is one of non-cooperation for their goals are so focused that they
can't be bothered with such trivial matters as an EAS message - Regardless
of how critical the transmission of that message is.    This is one of the
reasons that I remain a strong advocate of having  - some- Event Codes be
mandatory.   For example - CEM, EVI etc.    When it's clear that
transmission of an alert could well save lives - refusing to stop airing
re-runs or rocks greatest hits should not be permitted.

While I'm on it - The NWS has a similar problem.   Under present rules a
broadcaster (Radio or TV) can - CHOOSE - to ignore a TOR.   I can,
perhaps,find reasons for a broadcaster to ignore a TSW or a case of obvious
'message flooding'....but ignoring, and refusing to forward a TOR should be
a violation with a high level economic penalty (or worse).

Emergency managers, in many cases, fail to understand that the foundation
for a successful EAS at the local level requires time spent developing
relationships- It's been proven that this works...but it requires effort.

Clay