[EAS] $55K fine for misuse of EAS tones

[Mike McCarthy]

I seem to recall there was a matter involving the movie trailer for
Olypmus Rising (or something of a name close to that) a few years ago. The
trailer contained EAS like tones and mock warnings which aired on a number
of cable channels. While the cable system licensees got a slap on the
wrist, the production house was hit more significantly.  I don't recall
the precise details of the matter, but the FCC did in fact go after the
production company and extracted a fine and consent decree.

Then there is the Bobby Bones network case which IIRC caused a network
originator/licensee to "donate" $1M to the feds along with a consent
decree.

As for stations not previewing spots, they're viewed/listened at least
once at most stations for any number of things, including run time and
venue confirmation. If they're not, then there is a bigger systemic
business standards and compliance problem at that facility.

MM

On Wed, May 31, 2017 10:08 pm, Sean Donelan wrote:
>
> The good news is the FCC hasn't fined a news reporter or newscast for
> including EAS tones in a news story, even when it caused some problems. The
> FCC fines DJs, advertisments and entertainment broadcasts for "pranks"
> and misuse of EAS/EBS tones.
>