[EAS] Blue Alerts Are Back

[Sean Donelan]

On Thu, 25 May 2017, Gary Timm wrote:
> So it sounds like an NPRM will be coming, the FCC is open to various 
> approaches, and we'll all have an opportunity to weigh in at that time. 
> Stay tuned - and be sure to comment!

Folks may also want to review the comments from the original EAS docket 
including the AMBER Alert code in 2001. EB Docket No. 01-66

https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/filings?proceedings_name=01-66

Several letters from congresscritters and governors.  There was no 
question about the FCC taking action on AMBER alerts.

Many of the comments about an EAS code for AMBER Alerts in 2001 are 
similar to an EAS code for Blue Alerts now, e.g. updating firmware cost, 
misuse of AMBER alerts, etc.

But the biggest debates about EAS code in 2001 for AMBER Alerts were 
about the translation of the alert code, especially since the code text 
appeared in the TV crawl.

There was a lot of back and forth whether "missing child" or "abducted 
child."  No one liked using the general code CEM because "CIVIL EMERGENCY 
MESSAGE," or worse in some states using ADR "ADMINISTRATIVE MESSAGE," 
appeared in the text crawl on TV's, which was confusing the public.
The EAS event code triggers the EAS equipment, but its the EAS code text 
seen by the public.

In 2001, people had different suggestions, nevertheless, most wanted 
"ABDUCTION/ABUCTED" and "CHILD" somewhere in the EAS code text. Then 
trying to back-fit a three-letter EAS event code with the matching code 
text.

What does this FCC comment history about AMBER alerts mean for Blue alerts 
and EAS?