[EAS] Rogue EAS tones on BBC

[Rich Parker]

Probably mostly affects public radio, but anyone who carries BBC programming.
 
I've been busy today and just saw this from NPR/PRSS. The BBC aired EAS tones on a program and I honestly don't know if any of our stations air it in the time window noted, but if so, are port must be made to the FCC asap. This would have been mostly for stations which take programming from NPR/PRSS, or BBC some other way

Text of message below:

"Alert - Program Update: BBC (APM) World Service, EAS Tones in Witness History
From: BBC APM World Service <prsscd at npr.org>
Message Type: Alert Program Update
Date Created: Thu May 25, 2023 17:42:20 EDT
The Wednesday, May 24, 2023 feeds of BBC WITNESS HISTORY contained EAS tones and a tornado warning alert. The EAS tones and alert are heard at :19 and 1:32 in the program (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct4xjd). BBC WITNESS HISTORY was broadcast in the US at the following times on Wednesday, May 24, 2023: 0450 ET, 0850 ET, 1350 ET, 1820 ET and 2250 ET
 
If your station aired the BBC World Service at any of the times listed above, you are required by FCC Section 11.45(b) to notify the FCC in writing that a false EAS Tone was transmitted. This must be done within 24 hours of discovering such a transmission. https://www.fcc.gov/enforcement/areas/misuse-eas-sound

Please consult your station counsel on next steps. For more information, reach out to your APM Station Representative."

Not sure if APM will be liable for a fine, but our stations sure don't have the staff or time to deal with this.

One could hope that APM could notify the FCC and include a list of all of their subscribed affiliate stations.