November 24, 2010 – The FCC has agreed with the SBE, NAB, MSTV and almost all state broadcaster associations that the 180-day EAS deadline should be extended. Late yesterday, the FCC announced that the deadline will be extended from 180 days to 360 days, effectively making the new deadline, September 30, 2011. The FCC action was officially taken on November 18.
SBE President, Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT, upon hearing the announcement said, “The FCC took animportant step toward establishing an effective and orderly improvement of the US’ public warning strategy. The SBE and its EAS-experienced members intend to work to support our industry and the FCC to improve the EAS. As the system changes, the SBE will be publishing information and education to help our members and the industry incorporate the changes in a cost-efficient and effective way.”
The FCC considered multiple factors cited in industry filings in approving the extension, including the need for more time for the development, testing and potential certification of the new equipment and the costs associated with purchasing the CAP-compliant equipments by EAS participants.
