[EAS] Sage Update Available

[Sean Donelan]

On Mon, 4 Nov 2019, Adrienne Abbott wrote:
> Some engineers here tell me that their corporate offices aren't buying 
> the Sage update. And, there are probably a few owner/managers who aren't 
> even aware of the update. How long do you think it will take for the FCC 
> to start issuing fines?

As you know, many state broadcaster associations maintain an Alternative 
Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP).  Broadcaster's paying for an ABIP 
obtain a three-year Certificate of Compliance.

The next FEMA National Periodic Test (NPT) will probably be in the fall of 
2020.  EAS Participants will self-report in the EAS Test Reporting System 
(ETRS). In the past, the FCC has said it doesn't use ETRS for compliance 
enforcement.

When the CAP upgrades were rolling out, and often delayed, the FCC didn't 
issue NOV/NAL for CAP compliance for several years. The FCC issued 
several enforcement alerts before it started checking. When the FCC 
eventually issue NOVs/NALs including CAP compliance, there were usually 
lots of compliance problems at those stations/cable systems, not just 
single item.

INAL, as always consult a licensed communications attorney for your 
specific situation.