Both the FCC and FEMA want to know ASAP whether the National Test was a success at your stations so they are asking you to “pre-populate” your station information on the National EAS Test page. Here is a link to the website with the reporting form

http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/emergency-alert-system-nationwide-test

You will also need to file a more details report within 45 days of the test.  

Also, the special “Day of” EAS Handbook is now available at:

http://transition.fcc.gov/pshs/eas/EAS%20Handbook%20-%20National%20Test.pdf

Remember, this is “special edition” specifically for this EAS test and does NOT replace the 2007 Handbook. Don’t use the 2007 edition, but don’t throw it out. You are still required to have it at or near the EAS control point.    

Keep an extra-close eye on your EAS equipment during the run-up to next month’s test. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s website for any last minute programming changes or updates. Let me know if you have any questions.

Adrienne

nevadaeas@charter.net

National EAS Test Graphic SD 4x3

National EAS Test Graphic SD 16x9

National EAS Test Graphic HD

The Nevada Emergency Alert System 

The Emergency Alert System, or EAS, is a network of radio and television stations and cable television operators that is available 24/7 to local, state and federal officials to inform the public of a pending emergency, disaster or crises. This network is available at no charge because broadcasters and cable operators have paid for the equipment, its maintenance and the testing process to ensure its readiness. The Federal Communications Commission set up a national framework for EAS, but each state was allowed to build its own plan tailored to local needs.

The Nevada EAS Plan provides state and local government officials, as well as law enforcement and public safety officials, specific information on how to access local radio, television and cable TV facilities to provide information, instructions and assistance to the public in a time of crisis. The Nevada EAS Plan also includes the Nevada AMBER Alert Plan which allows local law enforcement agencies to use the EAS to broadcast information about abducted, endangered children.

While many state and local government agencies have existing plans for dealing with the electronic media during an emergency, an EAS activation allows officials to instantly access every radio and television station, not just those with news staff. EAS was expanded in 2006 to include next-generation media such as cell phones and the Internet, giving emergency managers more ways to get critical information to the public.

Due to security concerns, the Nevada EAS Plan is NOT available on line. Copies of the plan and information about our training program are available from SECC Chair Adrienne Abbott.  

NATIONAL EAS TEST

Here is a link to everything we know to this point about the upcoming

National EAS test.

http://www.awareforum.org/2011/06/details-on-national-eas-test/

Please read and become familiar with it. Make sure you are monitoring your assigned stations per the Nevada EAS Plan and that your equipment is properly programmed. The Monitoring Assignments are on the this website.  

You should be receiving the Required Weekly Tests and Required Monthly Tests sent by the Local Primary stations and NOAA Weather Radio for your area. If you have any questions or you cannot receive your monitoring assignments, please contact me.

On June 9, 2011, FEMA's IPAWS office sponsored a "Virtual Roundtable", an online video conference to discuss the upcoming improvements in the Emergency Alert System and the upcoming National EAS Test. Nevada EAS Chair was a panelist for the radio portion of the conference and these are her notes and observations. The "Virtual Roundtable" will be archived and available for viewing in the near future.

VIRTUAL ROUNDTABLE NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS

June 9, 2011

I'm not going to try to repeat everything that was said during the Virtual Roundtable conferences. They will be available for viewing on line in the next week or so. However, there were a number of discussions that really stood out for me and those are noted here along with the reasons why.

From the beginning, moderator Manny Centeno steered the conversation in a positive and constructive mode. Early on it was noted that AMBER Alert and the recent NWS weather activations had saved lives so we know EAS works. It was during the discussion on audio quality that a statement from the National Association of Broadcasters representative Larry Walke showed that we might be our own biggest obstacle. Walke said that NAB was generally unaware of any concerns about the audio quality of EAS tests and activations a statement that left some of us in stunned silence. Folks, we have to do a better job of communicating in our own industry! I know this is a big issue, from engineers to program directors to general managers. Everyone has a concern or complaint about audio quality issues. But somewhere along the way, we have failed to tell our biggest professional organization, the one that represents us to our government officials, that EAS has an audio quality problem. We've all tried to work with our state and local emergency managers and the National Weather Service on improving the audio quality, but the NAB doesn't think we have a problem because somewhere along the way we haven't told them...

The other big shocker came during the afternoon TV session when the representative of the Cable TV industry told us they actually liked the FCC's EAS Handbook and found it helpful particularly because it gave simple, brief explanations and provided information about EAS logging requirements. They also found that the directions were consistent from state to state and that was helpful to their industry. While we were all recovering from that shock, the cable representative went on to give some useful and practical suggestions for improving the handbook by making it available online in an interactive format where someone could click on links in the text and get more information about a particular subject. They also recommended that the online version automatically upgrade periodically in response to demands for specific information. Cloud, anyone?

A consistent note throughout both sessions was the recommendation from Greg Cooke of the FCC that participants file comments on the Part 11 NPRM. Greg emphasized that the agency was looking for information from the industry and the people who actually make EAS work.

One of the most helpful comments came during the radio session discussion on technical issues and the need to properly set up and configure EAS equipment. I think it was Jeff Smith who said that many issues of audio quality and reception could be resolved if engineers would treat the EAS equipment just like they would a satellite receiver or any other audio source--balance the audio, isolate the rf, use a good quality, outside antenna that is properly polarized and make sure the receivers are properly tuned for the Monitoring Assignments. After those initial steps, stations can then deal with whether they want to set the unit to Manual or Auto mode and program the proper event codes and locator codes. And someone needs to keep track of the batteries and change them at least every two years.

There was a lot of discussion in both sessions about getting Emergency Managers involved in EAS. Suzanne Goucher suggested that state broadcast associations put on splashy media events for the CAP deadline and invite state and local emergency managers to participate. This way they are put on the spot about their role in public warning and the use of the latest technologies to reach people. Ann Arnold commented on her frustration in dealing with reluctant emergency managers and the need for FEMA to provide some kind of carrot-and-stick approach to public warning.

Even though Manny made it clear in the radio session that CAP won't be part of the National Test, there are many broadcasters who can't separate the two. That may be one more argument for postponing the CAP deadline.

Some of the most useful discussions to come out of the TV session concerned training issues, for both legacy EAS and the National Test as well as for CAP when it's in place. Broadcasters and Emergency Managers all need an easy, accessible on-line training program. Suggestions were made on developing training webinars, Power Point programs that could be made available on line and making EAS training part of the National Incident Management System curriculum at FEMA's Emergency Management Institute. There were also suggestions that vendors do a better job with their documentation.

A side-bar discussion about Closed Circuit TV on the chat line caught my attention and is something that should be raised before the National Test. Hospitality and tourism are major components of life in Nevada. While most people don't come here to sit in their hotel rooms, they do have the TV's on during their stay, so consideration needs to be given to the idea of getting EAS warnings into the various closed circuit TV systems. We've all heard the stories about how people wouldn't leave their slot machines during various disasters--I saw this myself during the Harvey's bombing back in 1980 and again at Harrah's in Reno during the 1997 New Year's Floods--but they will leave hotel rooms when warnings are given!

The discussions concluded with participants again being urged to file comments on the Part 11 NPRM and to do what they can to prepare for a successful National Test. I have extensive notes about what we can do in the Nevada Op Area, starting with a mention of the National Test in our RMT's over the summer. I also plan more outreach with our state and local emergency managers and work with our engineers to make sure their EAS equipment is properly set up and programmed. It's going to be a busy summer!

Adrienne Abbott

Nevada Chair SECC

Information about EAS and CAP

The EAS Forum

National Alliance of State Broadcasters Association EAS Website

Nevada's State Emergency Communications Committee (SECC) Members 

Updated October 2011 EAS Mapbook of Monitoring Assignments for stations covered by the Nevada EAS Plan including stations in Eastern California and Northern Arizona

 2011 Eastern NV Operational Area EAS RMT Schedule

2011 Eastern NV Ely Sub-region Operational Area EAS RMT Schedule

2011 Western NV Operational Area EAS RMT Schedule

2011 Southern NV / Inyo County, CA EAS RMT Schedule

Advantages of the Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program

It’s no news that the price tag for an FCC fine has been rising steadily over the past five years but some broadcasters still feel secure in their belief that they will never have a visit from a Field Agent. After all, many of you have had extensive careers free from an FCC complaint or inspection. Some of you have had brief interactions with the FCC, and a few of you have had multiple encounters that have left you feeling like the agency has followed you from station to station. No matter what your level of involvement with the FCC has been, the Nevada Broadcasters Association’s Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program, or ABIP, is designed to relieve you of the burden of a surprise FCC inspection. When your station passes our inspection it’s issued an ABIP certificate which exempts you from unannounced FCC inspections for a three year period.

There is no mystery to ABIP. The program was set up more than 15 years ago through an agreement between the state broadcaster associations and the FCC. The agreement provides that stations can contract with their state broadcaster association to have an FCC-approved inspector go through their facilities and determine whether they are compliant with current regulations. The ABIP inspector does not come with a badge or citation book, so they help you find and fix problems without the threat of an FCC Notice of Violation and fine.

 

Stations do not have to be association members to take advantage of ABIP but association membership often carries a significant price discount. In Nevada, ABIP is free to NBA member stations. Non-NBA members are charged $600.00 per station plus expenses making NBA membership a significant advantage. NBA’s Field Engineer, Adrienne Abbott-Gutierrez, conducts the NBA’s inspections. Adrienne is an FCC-trained and approved ABIP inspector and veteran broadcaster who holds an FCC General Class (former First) license. She is also the Chair of the EAS State Emergency Communications Committee.  

It is important that as a station manager, you understand the emphasis the FCC puts on the broadcaster associations to conduct complete, thorough and extensive inspections. The agency expects organizations like the Nevada Broadcasters Association to maintain the integrity and high standards of a program that is designed to protect responsible broadcasters from the stress of a surprise FCC inspection while allowing the FCC to concentrate on specific broadcast problem areas.

 

Not everything is covered by the ABIP process. According to the contract, your EEO and Political files are exempt from ABIP protection. So are environmental factors such as RF radiation levels. The FCC can still check these areas of your operation through programs like their EEO audits or targeted tower inspections. If they find a violation in these areas, then they can conduct a complete station inspection, regardless of your ABIP certificate. And the FCC can still conduct an inspection of your station if a specific complaint has been filed against your station. However, those inspections are strictly limited to areas specifically related to the complaint and Field Agents looking into the complaint are not allowed to go “Easter-egging” through your entire operation.

 

ABIP protection starts when the contracts are signed and if problems are found you have 150 days from signing to bring your station into compliance to receive a certificate. The protection of the ABIP certificate lasts for three years, and then you are eligible to have to have another inspection.  

If you aren’t sure if your station is ready for an inspection you can do a self-inspection using the FCC Broadcast Checklist. These forms are available on the FCC website at: http://www.fcc.gov/eb/bc-chklsts/. The checklists are easy to follow and can help you determine if your station will pass an inspection. If you find a problem, you will know what action to take to pass the inspection.

The inspections generally take a day to complete, depending on weather and the transmitter location. The inspection begins with an overview of the process with the General Manager. The person responsible for the Public File, the General Sales Manager, the Chief Engineer, the Chief Operator are all needed at various points in the process. During the inspection notes will be made about the status of your operation. There will be questions and discussions about your operations, documentation and record-keeping. You will receive a list of recommendations and if any areas are found to be non-compliant, you will have the opportunity to discuss the appropriate actions and alternatives needed to bring the station into compliance. The notes and discussions are confidential and not shared with anyone. If no significant corrections are needed, you will receive your Certificate of Compliance. The Certificate should be prominently displayed in your lobby.

ABIP can be useful in ways besides keeping the FCC from your door.

If you are buying or selling a station, you might consider how knowing whether the station is compliant with current FCC regulations can help in the sale or purchase. Knowing that the station has an incomplete Public File, non-functioning EAS equipment or an outdated auxiliary license could give you an advantage and help you avoid problems at license renewal.

Because the ABIP process includes a thorough review of your Public File, your staff has an opportunity during the inspection to learn more about keeping these important documents, developments in the FCC attitude toward the Public File and changes in Public File requirements. Inspected stations also receive regular notices of filing deadlines for routine Public File reports and any changes or updates made by the FCC.  

If you are interested in having an ABIP inspection or would like more information, please contact Adam Sandler in the NBA Las Vegas office at 702-794-4994 or in Northern Nevada, Adrienne Abbott-Gutierrez at 775-750-5987.

2011 ABIP Station Contract 2011 ABIP Contract Summary

Engineering

FCC Reminder about Visual Display Rules

DA 11-1070

Released: June 17, 2011

REMINDER REGARDING VIDEO PROGRAMMING DISTRIBUTORS’ OBLIGATION TO MAKE EMERGENCY INFORMATION ACCESSIBLE TO PERSONS WITH HEARING OR VISION DISABILITIES

In light of the flooding in the south, the tornadoes in various parts of the country, and the already active storm season, the Federal Communications Commission (“Commission”) issues this Public Notice to remind video programming distributors – including broadcasters, cable operators, satellite television services, and “any other distributor of video programming [for example, over fiber] for residential reception that delivers such programming directly to the home”^[1] – of their obligation to make emergency information accessible to persons with hearing and vision disabilities in accordance with section 79.2 of the Commission’s rules.^[2] Under section 79.2, emergency information encompasses “critical details” regarding the emergency and how to respond to the emergency.^[3] It also provides information for consumers about how to contact their video programming distributor (VPD) or the Commission regarding compliance with the rule.

We stress that the need to comply with section 79.2 and make the critical details of emergency information accessible is not always limited to the immediate geographic areas affected by the emergency because, for example, information about the relocation of individuals outside that immediate geographic area also falls within the rule’s mandate.^[4] Accordingly, compliance with section 79.2 could include providing information to non-impacted areas sheltering individuals displaced by a large-scale disaster, such as that which occurred recently with the tornado devastation of Joplin, Missouri or in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina struck the south. In these cases, the need to comply with section 79.2 has extended to areas throughout the country where evacuees were temporarily re-located.^[5]  In addition, we note that there are times when the airing of emergency information pertaining to a matter of national importance will also be of local concern, and therefore should be made accessible.

All VPDs that air emergency information are required to make this information accessible. There are no exemptions to section 79.2. A local broadcast licensee is responsible for complying with section 79.2 regardless of the technology used to deliver its signal to consumers. 

In the case of persons who are blind or visually impaired, emergency information that is provided in the video portion of a regularly scheduled newscast or a newscast that interrupts regular programming must be made accessible.^[6] The Commission expects that, in accordance with existing regulations, VPDs will aurally describe the emergency information in the main audio as part of their ordinary operations; this is similar to providing “open” video description.^[7] In addition, if the emergency information is being provided in the video portion of programming that is not a regularly scheduled newscast (e.g., the programmer provides the emergency information through “crawling” or “scrolling” during regular programming) or a newscast that interrupts regular programming, the information must be accompanied by an aural tone.^[8] This tone is intended to alert persons with vision disabilities that the VPD is providing emergency information, and those persons, therefore, should tune to another source, such as a radio, for more information.[9] Repeating the aural tone at frequent intervals, or at least as often as the content of the crawl or scroll changes, is helpful to viewers reliant on these tones. 

Emergency information also must be provided in a manner that is accessible to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Commission rules require that emergency information provided in the audio portion of the programming be made accessible using closed captioning or other methods of visual presentation, including open captioning, crawls or scrolls that appear on the screen.^[10] Emergency information provided by these means may not block any closed captioning, and closed captioning may not block any emergency information provided by crawls, scrolls, or other visual means.^[11] The “pass through” obligation, generally requiring VPDs to ensure that viewers receive closed captions intact under section 79.1, also applies to emergency information encompassed by section 79.2.^[12]

Distributors that are not permitted by Commission rules to count captions created using the electronic newsroom technique (ENT)^[13] are required to provide closed captions on all new non-exempt programming, including breaking news and emergency alerts.^[14]  We recognize that emergency information is the type of information that is typically not available in advance, and that it may be difficult for some stations to obtain closed captioning services on short notice. Nevertheless, we emphasize that during the period in which a station may be making arrangements to obtain closed captioning services, section 79.2 requires emergency information provided by that station to be made accessible by some other visual presentation method, in a manner that ensures the same access to emergency information for persons with hearing loss as for any other viewer.^[15] 

Similarly, entities that are permitted to and are using captions created with ENT for their live programming (for determining compliance with section 79.1)^[16] are reminded that if the ENT method does not automatically caption non-scripted news, the provider must either caption or make the emergency information accessible by some other form of visual presentation as required by section 79.2.^[17] Lastly, a distributor in a market that is permitted to use ENT, but chooses to use real-time captions rather than ENT for its live programming, must provide closed captions on emergency information contained in that programming.

Consumer Complaints and Enforcement

The Commission will continue to monitor closely complaints alleging violations of section 79.2, and will review for possible enforcement action. 

If you are a consumer who has a complaint regarding the lack of emergency information being presented in an accessible format, you may contact the VPD directly for quick resolution of the problem, or you may file a complaint with the FCC. If you do not have contact information for the VPD, you can locate VPD contact information by searching the VPD Registry located on the FCC’s webpage at: http://esupport.fcc.gov/vpd-search/search.action.

If you decide to complain directly to the FCC, your complaint should include:

• The name of the VPD (e.g., broadcast station, cable company, satellite TV provider, local telephone company) against whom the complaint is alleged;


• The date and time of the transmission of emergency information that was in a format not accessible to persons with disabilities; and


• The type of emergency.

You can file your complaint with the FCC using the on-line complaint Form 2000C found at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/form2000c.html. You also may contact the FCC by letter, facsimile transmission, telephone (voice/TRS/TTY), Internet e-mail, audio-cassette recording, Braille, or any other method that would best accommodate your disability. Send your complaint to:

Federal Communications Commission

Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau

445 12th Street, SW

Washington, DC 20554

Phone: 1-888-225-5322 (voice); 1-888-835-5322 (TTY)

E-mail: fccinfo@fcc.gov

Internet: www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html

Fax: 866-418-0232

Fact sheets summarizing the closed captioning and access to emergency information rules are available at the FCC’s Web site at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/closedcaption.html, and http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/emergencyvideo.html.

To request this Public Notice or any other materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice) or 202-418-0432 (TTY). This Public Notice can be downloaded in Word and Portable Document Formats (PDF) at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/emergency_access.html.

Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Contact: Traci Randolph, (202) 418-0569 (voice);

(202) 418-0537 (TTY); e-mail Traci.Randolph@fcc.gov.