Emergency Broadcast System

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Parts 0, 11, 73, and 76

[FO Docket No. 91-171/91-301, FCC 94-288]

Emergency Broadcast System

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rules.

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SUMMARY: This Report and Order replaces the current Emergency Broadcast

System (EBS) with an Emergency Alert System (EAS) to alert the public

of emergencies. This Report and Order requires broadcast stations and

many cable TV systems to participate, creates a new generation of

alerting equipment and streamlines operational procedures for system

participants. Furthermore, the R&O removes the Part of the FCC's rules

concerning EBS in its entirety and incorporates it into a new Part of

the FCC's Code of Federal Regulations. The purpose of the rules in this

part is to prescribe how communication services such as broadcasting,

cable, and other public service providers will function under the

technical standards and operational procedures of the new System.

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 27, 1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dr. Helena Mitchell or Frank Lucia, Compliance and Information Bureau,

(202) 418-1220.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a synopsis of the Commission's

Report and Order in FO Docket 91-171/91-301, adopted November 10, 1994,

and released December 9, 1994.

The full text of this Commission Report and Order, which is in the

same document as a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, is available

for inspection and copying during normal business hours in the FCC's

Public Reference Center (Room 239), 1919 M Street, NW., Washington, DC

20554. The complete text of the Report and Order also may be purchased

from the Commission's duplication contractor, International

Transcription Services, Inc., 2100 M Street, NW., Suite 140,

Washington, DC 20037, (202) 857-3800.

Synopsis of Report and Order

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Report and

Order to create a new Emergency Alert System (EAS) to replace the more

than 40 year old Emergency Broadcast System (EBS). EBS was no longer

able to accommodate advances in communications. The advent of digital

technology and the expansion of cable, satellite, microwave

distribution, and fiber optics, very few of which currently participate

in the EBS, will enable the new system to offer better and faster

alerting to the public.

The Report and Order removes Subpart G, Part 73, of the FCC's rules

concerning EBS in its entirety, and incorporates it into a new Part 11

of the rules dealing with EAS. 47 CFR Subpart G, Part 73, and Part 11.

The rule changes are provided at the end of this synopsis.

Furthermore, the Report and Order requires participation by

broadcast stations and cable systems in the new EAS, and encourages

voluntary participation by others. Cable systems must participate, and

the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking asks for comments regarding

whether a defined class of smaller systems should be exempted from

participation. Cable systems will for the first time be required to

participate in the emergency alerting process because numerous

Americans now depend on cable for news and information and because

Congress has directed the Commission to ensure that cable subscribers

have access to emergency information on the same basis as broadcast

viewers and listeners. Most Americans receive one or both of these

sources. The Report and Order requires broadcast stations and cable

systems to install and operate new equipment for national alerts, while

relaxing certain equipment requirements for noncommercial educational

Class D FM stations and low power television stations. Other

transmission media, such as satellite, telephone, paging and public

service providers, are also encouraged to participate.

Technically, the new equipment will have many advanced features

currently unavailable with the EBS, such as multiple monitoring of

alerting sources, ability to operate by remote control, compatibility

with other communications media, the option for automated operation,

and the ability to target emergency specific information to exact

geographic areas that are at risk. Operationally, EAS will allow

audiences to receive quick and accurate access to emergency

information. Unlike the old EBS, the new equipment and procedures will

also minimize the risk of failure or confusion due to human error.

The new equipment can be programmed to provide automatic alerts for

specific types of emergencies such as tornadoes or nuclear accidents.

Automatic interrupt capability will allow immediate suspension of

programming and will transmit both national EAS alerts as well as state

or local emergency alerts. Broadcast stations and cable systems can

choose when they want their programming interrupted automatically, as,

for example, when they are operating unattended.

The new digital EAS equipment will allow participants to relay news

of emergencies only to affected geographic areas so that unaffected

areas are not alarmed. The new equipment also allows for coding to

identify special kinds of alerts, such as for power outages, nuclear

power plant incidents, and release of harmful chemicals.

The new equipment will also be capable of monitoring several

sources of emergency information, such as broadcast stations or

emergency management offices. This multiple input system replaces the

old single station ``daisy chain'' system of monitoring in which

emergency messages were relayed from one station to another. The

multiple input system is significantly more reliable because stations

are not dependent on one station to receive an emergency alert.

In addition, the new technology will make it possible to transmit

emergency information to the public regardless of listening or viewing

habits. It will no longer be necessary to be watching broadcast

television or listening to the radio in order to receive an emergency

alert. Specially equipped consumer end products, such as televisions,

car radios, pagers, CD players and other devices will be able to

receive an EAS alert and provide a warning even when the device is shut

off.

The new EAS will have other capabilities. The EAS protocol can be

used to develop alert messages in the primary language of the station's

or cable channel's programming, thus increasing the chance that the

listening public will comprehend emergency information.

New operational procedures will enhance the public's ability to

receive emergency information. For example, the new rules require

visual alerts on television stations and participating cable systems

which will quickly provide the hearing impaired with emergency

information. Piercing tones will alert the blind or preoccupied

listener.

New testing procedures can assure the equipment is functioning

properly without causing the public to ``tune out.'' All EAS

participants have the option to continue weekly tests with on-air

messages or to perform three of the four weekly tests during the month

unobtrusively. Such testing will be almost unnoticeable to the

listener. A monthly on-air test will still be required, however. During

the monthly on-air test, each State or local Emergency Communications

Committee will develop a script and test the system as if it were an

actual alert. A shorter EAS two-tone signal lasting only 8 seconds can

be used. During an actual emergency, however, a longer tone of up to 25

seconds is encouraged to attract the blind and hard-of-hearing. A new

rule also prohibits false or misleading use of the EAS two-tone or

alert codes.

The standard protocol for the activation of the EAS is compatible

with the new digitized NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) system. Each year there

are several hundred lives lost, several thousand injuries sustained and

billions of dollars in property damaged due to weather related and man-

made emergencies. EAS will continue to work with the National Weather

Service to provide emergency weather information to the public more

quickly while at the same time complementing the NWR.

The FCC will terminate the Emergency Broadcast System Advisory

Committee and the National Business and Industry Advisory Council which

had served the old EBS. In its stead, the FCC will establish a smaller

National Advisory Committee (NAC) to provide coordination and direction

in the implementation of the new rules and regulations for the EAS. The

NAC will advise the Commission on EAS policies, rules, and procedures.

It will develop training and education initiatives to explain the EAS

to participants and the public. It will be comprised of volunteer

government and industry personnel who will be appointed by the

Commission for two-year terms.

The cost to broadcasters of the new EAS devices is comparable to

the cost of replacing existing EBS equipment which is nearing the end

of its useful operational life. The EAS devices will have significantly

more features than the old equipment and will be much cheaper to

operate. Cost to cable systems is expected to be higher, but they will

have an extended time to implement EAS.

In designing a timetable for the system, the Commission balanced

the lead time needed by industry to begin the new service against the

need to ensure the public's safety. Both radio and television

broadcasters will be required to replace EBS equipment with EAS

equipment by July 1, 1996 in accordance with the following timetable:

(1) Existing EBS decoders at broadcast stations must be modified by

July 1, 1995 to be capable of decoding a shortened, eight second

version of the two-tone alerting signal currently used in the EBS; (2)

after July 1, 1995, stations may transmit the shortened two-tone

attention signal for not less than eight seconds nor more than 25

seconds; (3) use of the new EAS digital equipment is optional until

July 1, 1996 for broadcast stations and mandatory thereafter; (4) key

EAS sources are advised to begin using the new digital signal as soon

as equipment is available; (5) after July 1, 1997, the two-tone signal

may be used only as an audio alert signal to announce to the public

either the monthly test or actual emergency messages; and (6) Class D

FM and low power television stations must have decoders according to

the timetable used by broadcasters. There will be a one year overlap

between the old EBS and new EAS equipment to ensure that the new system

is effective before the older EBS two-tone signalling technique used to

alert stations is retired. Because cable is a new entrant, cable

systems will have until July 1, 1997, to install the new equipment.

The following is a summary of other features of the Emergency Alert

System.

EAS will utilize a standard, non-proprietary protocol that

includes a digital header code, the Attention Signal, the emergency

message, and an End Of Message (EOM) code.

It will be permissible to transmit only the header and EOM

coded for state and local emergencies.

The protocol can be received by any radio or television

receiver.

The protocol can be sent on transmission systems such as,

but not limited to, radio and television stations, cable systems,

satellite, computer networks, and paging systems.

The new equipment may combine decoder and encoder

functions in a single unit.

The equipment can be controlled from a remote location.

Broadcast station and cable system owners can program the

equipment to interrupt their programming in the event of specific codes

contained in EAS messages. Codes can, for example, be matched for the

message Originator (who), Event (what) and Location (where).

All EAS messages will have Universal Coordinated Time

(UTC) codes to assure that expired messages are not transmitted.

Specially equipped radios, televisions and other consumer

products can be turned on and off by the EAS protocol to receive

emergency messages.

The existing State and Local Emergency Communications

Committees can create their own monthly test announcements.

EAS state and local plans will need to be created to

reflect the new capabilities of equipment for multiple monitoring and

identification of EAS sources.

The rules prohibit false use of the EAS protocol.

The rules employ new and more easily understandable

terminology for use by EAS participants.

In the same document as the Report and Order, the Commission issued

a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking asking for comments related to

whether the Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS), Satellite Master

Antenna TV (SMATV) systems and Video Dial Tone should also be required

to participate in EAS. Comments were also sought on several cable

related issues. This Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is

summarized elsewhere in the Federal Register.

The Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C.

Section 603, the Report and Order contained a final regulatory

flexibility analysis. The analysis concluded that the new EAS will be a

significant improvement over EBS in providing emergency messages to the

public. There were no comments submitted in response to the initial

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis.

Legal Basis

The Report and Order is issued under authority contained in

Sections 1, 4 (i) and (o), 303(r), 624(g) and 706 of the Communications

Act of 1934, as amended. 47 U.S.C. Sections 151, 154 (i) and (o),

303(r), 544(g) and 606.

List of Subjects

47 CFR Part 0

Delegation of authority, Organization and functions (Government

agencies)

47 CFR Part 11

Emergency alert system

47 CFR Part 73

Radio broadcasting, Television broadcasting

47 CFR Part 76

Cable television

Federal Communications Commission.

William F. Caton,

Acting Secretary.

Rule Changes

Parts 0, 11, 73 and 76 of Chapter I of Title 47 of the Code of

Federal Regulations are amended as follows:

PART 0--COMMISSION ORGANIZATION

1. The authority citation for Part 0 continues to read as follows:

Authority: Secs. 5, 48 Stat. 1068, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 155.

2. Section 0.182 is amended by revising the heading and paragraph

(d) to read as follows:

Sec. 0.182 Chief, Compliance and Information Bureau.

* * * * *

(d) Provides administrative support for the National Advisory

Committee (NAC).

* * * * *

3. Section 0.183 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 0.183 Emergency Communications Administration.

The Compliance and Information Bureau coordinates the National

Security and Emergency Preparedness (NSEP) activities of the Federal

Communications Commission including Continuity of Government Planning,

the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and other functions as may be

delegated during a national emergency or activation of the President's

war emergency powers as specified in section 706 of the Communications

Act; maintains liaison with FCC Bureaus/Offices, and other government

agencies, the telecommunications industry and FCC licensees on NSEP

matters; and, as requested, represents the Commission at NSEP meetings

and conferences.

Sec. 0.284 [Amended]

4. Section 0.284 is amended by removing paragraph (a)(4) and

redesignating paragraphs (a)(5) through (a)(10) as (a)(4) through

(a)(9), respectively.

5. Section 0.311 is amended by revising paragraphs (g) and (h) to

read as follows:

Sec. 0.311 Authority delegated.

* * * * *

(g) The Chief, Compliance and Information Bureau is delegated

authority to grant waivers of the requirements of Part 11 of this

Chapter to participants required to install, operate or test Emergency

Alert System (EAS) equipment. The Chief, Compliance and Information

Bureau is further authorized to delegate this authority. Waiver

requests must made in writing and forwarded to the FCC's EAS office

1919 M Street, NW Washington, DC 20054. Such requests must state the

reason why the waiver is necessary and provide sufficient information

such as, statements of fact regarding the financial status of the

broadcast station, the number of other broadcast stations providing

coverage in its service area or the likelihood of hazardous risks to

justify a grant of the waiver.

(h) The Chief, Compliance and Information Bureau is delegated

authority to execute in the name of the Commission all agreements

pertaining to the loan of United States Government property to

broadcast stations or other entities participating in the Emergency

Alert System (EAS) for national defense purposes. The Chief, Compliance

and Information Bureau is authorized to delegate this authority.

PART 11--EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM (EAS)

6. A new Part 11 is added to read as follows:

Part 11--[Added]

Subpart A--General

Sec.

11.1 Purpose.

11.11 The Emergency Alert System (EAS).

11.12 Two-tone Attention Signal Encoder and Decoder.

11.13 Emergency Action Notification (EAN) and Emergency Action

Termination (EAT).

11.14 EAN Network and Primary Entry Point (PEP) System.

11.15 EAS Operating Handbook.

11.16 National Control Point Procedures.

11.17 Authenticator Word Lists.

11.18 EAS Designations.

11.19 EAS Non-participating National Authorization Letter.

11.20 State Relay Network.

11.21 State and Local Area Plans and FCC Mapbook.

Subpart B--Equipment Requirements

11.31 EAS protocol.

11.32 EAS Encoder.

11.33 EAS Decoder.

11.34 Acceptability of the equipment.

11.35 Equipment operational readiness.

Subpart C--Organization

11.41 Participation in EAS.

11.42 Participation by communications common carriers.

11.43 National level participation.

11.44 EAS message priorities.

11.45 Prohibition of false or deceptive EAS transmissions.

11.46 EAS public service announcements.

Subpart D--Emergency Operations

11.51 EAS code and Attention Signal Transmission requirements.

11.52 EAS code and Attention Signal Monitoring requirements.

11.53 Dissemination of Emergency Action Notification.

11.54 EAS operation during a National Level emergency.

11.55 EAS operation during a State or Local Area emergency.

Subpart E--Tests

11.61 Tests of EAS procedures.

11.62 Closed Circuit Tests of National Level EAS facilities.

Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154 (i) and (o), 303(r), 544(g) and

606.

Subpart A--General

Sec. 11.1 Purpose.

This part contains rules and regulations providing for an Emergency

Alert System (EAS). The EAS provides the President with the capability

to provide immediate communications and information to the general

public at the National, State and Local Area levels during periods of

national emergency. The rules in this part describe the required

technical standards and operational procedures of the EAS for AM, FM

and TV broadcast stations, cable systems and other participating

entities. The EAS may be used to provide the heads of State and local

government, or their designated representatives, with a means of

emergency communication with the public in their State or Local Area.

Sec. 11.11 The Emergency Alert System (EAS).

(a) The EAS is composed of broadcast networks; cable networks and

program suppliers; AM, FM and TV broadcast stations; Low Power TV

(LPTV) stations; cable systems; and other entities and industries

operating on an organized basis during emergencies at the National,

State, or local levels. It requires that at a minimum all participants

use a common EAS protocol, as defined in Sec. 11.31, to send and

receive emergency alerts in accordance with the effective dates in the

following tables:

Timetable--Broadcast Stations

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Requirement Until 7/1/95 7/1/95 7/1/96 7/1/97

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Two-tone encoder 20-25 seconds........ 8-25 seconds......... 8-25 seconds......... 8-25 seconds.\1\

timing.

Two-tone decoder 8-16 seconds required All decoders at 3-4 3-4 seconds.......... Two-tone decoder no

timing. 3-4 seconds optional. seconds. longer used.

Digital decoder and Use is optional...... Use is optional...... Use is required...... Use is required.

encoder.

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\1\Two-tone signal used only to provide audio alert to audience before EAS emergency messages and required

monthly test.

Cable Systems

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Requirement Until 7/1/97 7/1/97\2\

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Two-tone signal from Use is optional, 8-25 Use is required, 8-25

storage device\1\. seconds. seconds.

Digital decoder and Use is optional........ Use is required.\2\

encoder.

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\1\Two-tone signal used only to provide audio alert to audience before

EAS emergency messages and required monthly test.

\2\On this date, subject cable systems shall provide: (1) a video

message on all channels or other alerting techniques to hearing

impaired and deaf subscribers, (2) an audio message and video

interruption on all channels, and (3) a video message on at least one

channel to all subscribers.

Note: Class D FM and low power TV stations are not required to have two-

tone or digital encoders. LPTV stations that operate as television

broadcast translator stations are exempt from the requirement to have

EAS equipment.

EAS Timetable and Requirements

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FM class

Requirement AM FM D TV LPTV\1\

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Broadcast stations

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Two-tone

decoder

(until 7/1/

97)......... Y Y Y Y Y

Two-tone

encoder..... Y Y N Y N

Digital

decoder (7/1/

96)......... Y Y Y Y Y

Digital

encoder (7/1/

96)......... Y Y N Y N

Audio message

(7/1/96).... Y Y Y Y Y

Video message

(7/1/96).... ......... ......... ......... Y Y

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\1\LPTV stations that operate as television broadcast translator

stations are exempt from the requirement to have EAS equipment.

Cable Systems

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Requirement

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Two-tone decoder............................................ N

Two-tone encoder............................................ N

Digital decoder (7/1/97).................................... Y

Digital encoder (7/1/97).................................... Y

Audio message on all channels (7/1/97)...................... Y\2\

Video interruption on all channels, video message on one

channel (7/1/97)........................................... Y\3\

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\2\Shall transmit two-tone signal, but it may be from a storage device.

\3\Shall provide video on all channels or other alerting techniques to

certified hearing impaired and deaf subscribers.

(b) Class D non-commercial educational FM stations as defined in

Sec. 73.506 of this chapter and LPTV stations as defined in

Sec. 74.701(f) of this chapter are not required to comply with

Sec. 11.32. LPTV stations that operate as television broadcast

translator stations, as defined in Sec. 74.701(b) of this chapter are

not required to comply with the requirements of this part.

(c) Organizations using other communications systems or

technologies such as, Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS), low earth orbit

satellite systems, paging, computer networks, etc. may join the EAS on

a voluntary basis by contacting the FCC. Organizations that choose to

voluntarily participate must comply with the requirements of this part.

Sec. 11.12 Two-tone Attention Signal Encoder and Decoder.

Existing two-tone Attention Signal Encoder and Decoder equipment

type accepted for use as Emergency Broadcast System equipment under

Part 73 may be used by broadcast stations until July 1, 1997, provided

that such equipment meets the requirements of Secs. 11.32(a)(9) and

11.33(b). Effective July 1, 1997, the two-tone Attention Signal Decoder

will no longer be required and the two-tone Attention Signal will be

used to provide an audio alert.

Sec. 11.13 Emergency Action Notification (EAN) and Emergency Action

Termination (EAT).

(a) The Emergency Action Notification (EAN) is the notice to all

broadcast stations, subject cable systems, other regulated services of

the FCC, participating industry entities, and to the general public

that the EAS has been activated for a national emergency.

(b) The Emergency Action Termination (EAT) is the notice to all

broadcast stations, subject cable systems, other regulated services of

the FCC, participating industry entities, and to the general public

that the EAN has terminated.

Sec. 11.14 EAN Network and Primary Entry Point (PEP) System.

(a) The EAN network is a dedicated communications service

connecting industry networks, wire services and common carriers with

government activation points. It is used to distribute EAN and EAT

messages. The industry control locations retransmit the EAN message,

the Presidential message, and the EAT message on their facilities to

their affiliates.

(b) The PEP system is a nationwide network of broadcast stations

connected with government activation points. It can also be used to

distribute EAN and EAT.

Sec. 11.15 EAS Operating Handbook.

The EAS Operating Handbook states in summary form the actions to be

taken by personnel at broadcast stations, and other participating

entities upon receipt of an EAN, subject cable systems and other

participating entities upon receipt of an EAN, an EAT, tests, or State

and Local Area alerts. It is issued by the FCC and contains

instructions for the above situations, monitoring guidelines, and EAS

message examples. A copy of the Handbook must be located at normal duty

positions or EAS equipment locations when an operator is required to be

on duty and be immediately available to staff responsible for

authenticating messages and initiating actions.

Sec. 11.16 National Control Point Procedures.

The National Control Point Procedures are written instructions

issued by the FCC to national level EAS control points. They are for

use by the participating radio and television networks, cable networks

and program suppliers, common carriers and wire services. The

procedures are divided into sections as follows:

(a) National Level EAS Activation. This section contains the

activation and termination instructions for Presidential messages.

(b) EAS Test Transmissions. This section contains the instructions

for testing the EAS at the National level.

(c) National Information Center (NIC). This section contains

instructions for distributing United States Government official

information messages after completion of the National Level EAS

activation and termination actions.

Sec. 11.17 Authenticator Word Lists.

There are three lists issued by the FCC annually. The lists are to

be used by EAS participants to ensure that the National level alerts

and tests are legitimate. The lists must be used in accordance with

directions in the EAS Operating Handbook and the National Control Point

Procedures. LPTV stations do not receive authenticator lists.

(a) Red Envelope Authenticator List. This list is used for

authentication purposes in accordance with instructions in the EAS

Operating Handbook and National Control Point Procedures. It is issued

to all broadcast stations and specified control points of the radio and

television networks, cable networks and program suppliers, common

carriers, wire services and other specified entities. A current copy of

this list must be located in the pocket on the inside front cover of

the EAS Operating Handbook. This list should be opened only to

authenticate receipt of an EAN message and an EAT message from the

above control pints. The FCC may request immediate return of the Red

Envelope at any time.

(b) White Envelope Authenticator List. This list is used for caller

identification purposes in accordance with instructions in the National

Control Point Procedures. It is issued only to specified control

points.

(c) NIC Authenticator List. This booklet is used for authentication

purposes in accordance with instructions in the National Control Point

Procedures. It is issued only to participating control points.

Sec. 11.18 EAS Designations.

(a) National Primary (NP) is a source of EAS Presidential messages.

(b) Local Primary (LP) is a source of EAS Local Area messages. An

LP source is responsible for coordinating the carriage of common

emergency messages from sources such as the National Weather Service or

local emergency management offices as specified in its EAS Local Area

Plan. If it is unable to carry out this function, other LP sources in

the Local Area may be assigned the responsibility as indicated in State

and Local Area Plans. LP sources are assigned numbers (LP-1, 2, 3,

etc.) in the sequence they are to be monitored by other broadcast

stations in the Local Area.

(c) State Primary (SP) is a source of EAS State messages. These

messages can originate from the Governor or a designated representative

in the State Emergency Operating Center (EOC) or State Capital.

Messages are sent via the State Relay Network.

(d) State Relay (SR) is a source of EAS State messages. It is part

of the State Relay Network and relays National and State common

emergency messages into Local Areas.

(e) Participating National (PN) sources transmit EAS National,

State or Local Area messages. The EAS transmissions of PN sources are

intended for direct public reception.

(f) Non-participating National (NN) sources have elected not to

participate in the National level EAS and hold an authorization letter

to that effect. Upon activation of the national level EAS, NN sources

are required to broadcast the EAS codes, Attention Signal, the sign-off

announcement in the EAS Operating Handbook and then stop operating. All

NN sources are required to comply with Sec. 11.51, Sec. 11.52 and

Sec. 11.61. They may transmit EAS State or Local Area messages at any

time without prior notice.

Sec. 11.19 EAS Non-participating National Authorization Letter.

This authorization letter is issued by the FCC to broadcast station

licensees. It states that the licensee has agreed to go off the air

during a national level EAS message. This authorization will remain in

effect through the period of the initial license and subsequent

renewals from the time of issuance unless returned by the holder or

suspended, modified or withdrawn by the Commission.

Sec. 11.20 State Relay Network.

This network is composed of State Relay (SR) sources, leased common

carrier communications facilities or any other available communication

facilities. The network distributes State EAS messages originated by

the Governor or designated official. In addition to EAS monitoring,

satellites, microwave, FM subcarrier or any other communications

technology may be used to distribute State emergency messages.

Sec. 11.21 State and Local Area Plans and FCC Mapbook.

EAS plans contain guidance for broadcast personnel, emergency

officials and NWS personnel to activate the EAS. The plans include the

EAS header codes and messages that will be transmitted by key EAS

sources (NP, LP, SP and SR).

(a) The State plan contains procedures for State emergency

management and other State officials, the NWS, broadcast personnel to

transmit emergency information to the public during a State emergency

using the EAS.

(b) The Local Area plan contains procedures for local officials or

the NWS to transmit emergency information to the public during a local

emergency using the EAS. Local plans may be a part of the State plan. A

Local Area is a geographical area of contiguous communities or counties

that may include more than one state.

(c) The FCC Mapbook is based on the above plans. It organizes all

broadcast stations and cable systems according to their State, EAS

Local Area and EAS designation.

Subpart B--Equipment Requirements

Sec. 11.31 EAS protocol.

(a) The EAS uses a four part message for an emergency activation of

the EAS. The four parts are: Preamble and EAS Header Codes; audio

Attention Signal; message; and, Preamble and EAS End Of Message (EOM)

Codes.

(1) The Preamble and EAS Codes must use Audio Frequency Shift

Keying at a rate of 520.83 bits per second to transmit the codes. Mark

frequency is 2083.3 Hz and space frequency is 1562.5 Hz. Mark and space

time must be 1.92 milliseconds. Characters are ASCII seven bit

characters as defined in ANSI X3.4-1977.

(2) The Attention Signal must be made up of the fundamental

frequencies of 853 and 960 Hz. The two tones must be transmitted

simultaneously. The Attention Signal must be transmitted after the EAS

header codes.

(3) The message may be audio, video or text.

(b) The ASCII dash and plus symbols are required and may not be

used for any other purpose. Unused characters must be ASCII space

characters. FM or TV call signs must use a backslash ASCII character (/

) in lieu of a dash.

(c) The EAS protocol, including any codes, must not be amended,

extended or abridged without FCC authorization. The EAS protocol and

message format are specified in the following representation. Examples

are also provided in the EAS Operating Handbook.

[PREAMBLE] ZCZC-ORG-EEE-PSSCCC+TTTT+JJJHHMM-LLLLLLLL-

(one second pause)

[PREAMBLE] ZCZC-ORG-EEE-PSSCCC+TTTT-JJJHHMM-LLLLLLLL-

(one second pause)

[PREAMBLE] ZCZC-ORG-EEE-PSSCCC+TTTT-JJJHHMM-LLLLLLLL-

(at least a one second pause)

(transmission of 8 to 25 seconds of Attention Signal)

(transmission of audio, video or text messages)

(at least a one second pause)

[PREAMBLE] NNNN

(one second pause)

[PREAMBLE] NNNN

(one second pause)

[PREAMBLE] NNNN

(at least one second pause)

[PREAMBLE] This is a consecutive string of bits (sixteen bytes of

AB hexadecimal [8 bit byte 10101011]) sent to clear the system, set

AGC and set asynchronous decoder clocking cycles. The preamble must

be transmitted before each header and End Of Message code.

ZCZC- This is the identifier, sent as ASCII characters ZCZC to

indicate the start of ASCII code.

ORG- This is the Originator code and indicates who originally

initiated the activation of the EAS. These codes are specified in

paragraph (d) of this section.

EEE- This is the Event code and indicates the nature of the EAS

activation. The codes are specified in paragraph (e) of this

section. The Event codes must be compatible with the codes used by

the NWS Weather Radio Specific Area Message Encoder (WRSAME).

PSSCCC- This is the Location code and indicates the geographic area

affected by the EAS alert. There may be 31 Location codes in an EAS

alert. There may be 31 Location codes in an EAS alert. The Location

code uses the Federal Information Processing System (FIPS) numbers

as described by the U.S. Department of Commerce in National

Institute of Standards and Technology publication 772. Each state is

assigned an SS number as specified in paragraph (f) of this section.

Each county is assigned a CCC number. A CCC number of 000 refers to

an entire State or Territory. P defines county subdivisions as

follows: 0=all or an unspecified portion of a county, 1=Northwest,

2=North Central, 3=Northeast, 4=West Central, 5=Central, 6=East

Central, 7=Southwest, 8=South Central, 9=Southeast. Other numbers

may be designated later for special applications. The use of county

subdivisions will probably be rare and generally for oddly shaped or

unusually large counties. Any subdivisions must be defined and

agreed to by the local officials prior to use.

+TTTT- This indicates the valid time period of a message in 15

minute segments up to one hour and then in 30 minute segments beyond

one hour; i.e., +0015, +0030, +0045, +100, +0430 and +0600.

JJJHHMM- This is the day in Julian Calendar days (JJJ) of the year

and the time in hours and minutes (HHMM) when the message was

initially released by the originator using 24 hour Universal

Coordinated Time (UTC). These codes must remain unchanged for

retransmitted messages.

LLLLLLLL- This is the call sign or other identification of the

broadcast station, or NWS office transmitting or retransmitting the

message. These codes will be automatically affixed to all outgoing

messages by the EAS encoder.

NNNN- This is the End of Message (EOM) code sent as a string of

four ASCII N characters.

(d) The only originator codes are:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

ORG

Originator code

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Broadcast station or cable system............................... EAS

Civil authorities............................................... CIV

Emergency Action Notification Network........................... EAN

National Weather Service........................................ WXR

Primary Entry Point System...................................... PEP

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(e) The following Event (EEE) codes are presently authorized:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Event

Nature of activation codes

------------------------------------------------------------------------

National Codes:

Emergency Action Notification (National only)................. EAN

Emergency Action Termination (National only).................. EAT

National Information Center................................... NIC

National Periodic Test........................................ NPT

Required Monthly Test......................................... RMT

Required Weekly Test.......................................... RWT

Local Codes:

Administrative Message...................................... ADR

Blizzard Warning............................................ BZW

Civil Emergency Message..................................... CEM

Evacuation Immediate........................................ EVI

Flash Flood Statement....................................... FFS

Flash Flood Warning......................................... FFW

Flash Food Watch............................................ FFA

Flood Statement............................................. FLS

Flood Warning............................................... FLW

Flood Watch................................................. FLA

High Wind Warning........................................... HWW

High Wind Watch............................................. HWA

Hurricane Statement......................................... HLS

Hurricane Warning........................................... HUW

Hurricane Watch............................................. HUA

Practice/Demo Warning....................................... DMO

Severe Thunderstorm Warning................................... SVR

Severe Thunderstorm Watch..................................... SVA

Severe Weather Statement...................................... SVS

Special Weather Statement..................................... SPS

Tornado Warning............................................... TOR

Tornado Watch................................................. TOA

Tsunami Warning............................................... TSW

Tsunami Watch................................................. TSA

Winter Storm Warning.......................................... WSW

Winter Storm Watch............................................ WSA

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(f) The State and Territory FIPS number codes (SS) are as follows.

County FIPS numbers (CCC) are contained in the State EAS Mapbook.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

State FIPS #

------------------------------------------------------------------------

AL............................................................ 01

AK............................................................ 02

AZ............................................................ 04

AR............................................................ 05

CA............................................................ 06

CO............................................................ 08

CT............................................................ 09

DE............................................................ 10

FL............................................................ 12

GA............................................................ 13

HI............................................................ 15

ID............................................................ 16

IL............................................................ 17

IN............................................................ 18

IA............................................................ 19

KS............................................................ 20

KY............................................................ 21

LA............................................................ 22

ME............................................................ 23

MD............................................................ 24

MA............................................................ 25

MI............................................................ 26

MN............................................................ 27

MS............................................................ 28

MO............................................................ 29

MT............................................................ 30

NE............................................................ 31

NV............................................................ 32

NH............................................................ 33

NJ............................................................ 34

NM............................................................ 35

NY............................................................ 36

NC............................................................ 37

ND............................................................ 38

OH............................................................ 39

OK............................................................ 40

OR............................................................ 41

PA............................................................ 42

RI............................................................ 44

SC............................................................ 45

SD............................................................ 46

TN............................................................ 47

TX............................................................ 48

UT............................................................ 49

VT............................................................ 50

VA............................................................ 51

WA............................................................ 53

WV............................................................ 54

WI............................................................ 55

WY............................................................ 56

------------------------------------------------------------------------

District of Columbia--11

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Terr. FIPS #

------------------------------------------------------------------------

AS............................................................ 60

PR............................................................ 72

FM............................................................ 64

PW............................................................ 70

GU............................................................ 66

UM............................................................ 74

MH............................................................ 68

VI............................................................ 78

MP............................................................ 69

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 11.32 EAS Encoder.

(a) EAS Encoders must at a minimum be capable of encoding the EAS

protocol described in Sec. 11.31 and providing the EAS code

transmission requirements described in Sec. 11.51. EAS encoders must

additionally provide the following minimum specifications:

(1) Encoder programming. Access to encoder programming shall be

protected by a lock or other security measures and be configured so

that authorized personnel can readily select and program the EAS

Encoder with Originator, Event and Location codes for either manual or

automatic operation.

(2) Inputs. The encoder shall have two inputs, one for audio

messages and one for data messages (RS-232C with standard protocol and

1200 baud rate).

(3) Outputs. The encoder shall have two outputs, one audio port and

one data port (RS-232C with standard protocol and 1200 baud rate).

(4) Calibration. EAS Encoders must provide a means to comply with

the modulation levels required in Sec. 11.51(f).

(5) Day-Hour-Minute and Identification Stamps. The encoder shall

affix the JJJHHMM and LLLLLLLL codes automatically to all initial

messages.

(6) Program Data Retention. Program data and codes shall be

retained even with the power removed.

(7) Indicator. An aural or visible means that it activated when the

Preamble is sent and deactivated at the End of Message code.

(8) Spurious Response. All frequency components outside 200 to 4000

Hz shall be attenuated by 40 dB or more with respect to the output

levels of the mark or space frequencies.

(9) Attention Signal generator. The encoder must provide an

attention signal that complies with the following:

(i) Tone Frequencies. The audio tones shall have fundamental

frequencies of 853 and 960 Hz and not vary over 0.5 Hz.

(ii) Harmonic Distortion. The total harmonic distortion of each of

the audio tones may not exceed 5% at the encoder output terminals.

(iii) Minimum Level of Output. The encoder shall have an output

level capability of at least +8 dBm into a 600 Ohm load impedance at

each audio tone. A means shall be provided to permit individual

activation of the two tones for calibration of associated systems.

(iv) Time Period for Transmission of Tones. The encoder shall have

timing circuitry that automatically generates the two tones

simultaneously for a time period of not less than 8 nor longer than 25

seconds. NOTE: Prior to July 1, 1995, the Attention Signal must be at

least 20 and not more than 25 seconds.

(v) Inadvertent activation. The switch used for initiating the

automatic generation of the simultaneous tones shall be protected to

prevent accidental operation.

(vi) Indicator Display. The encoder shall be provided with a visual

and/or aural indicator which clearly shows that the Attention Signal is

activated.

(b) Operating Temperature and Humidity. Encoders shall have the

ability to operate with the above specifications within an ambient

temperature range of 0 to +50 degrees C and a range of relative

humidity of up to 95%.

(c) Primary Supply Voltage Variation. Encoders shall be capable of

complying with the requirements of this section during a variation in

primary supply voltage of 85 percent to 115 percent of its rated value.

(d) Testing Encoder Units. Encoders not covered by Sec. 11.34(e) of

this part shall be tested in a 10 V/m minimum RF field at an AM

broadcast frequency and a 0.5 V/m minimum RF field at an FM or TV

broadcast frequency to simulate actual working conditions.

Sec. 11.33 EAS Decoder.

(a) An EAS Decoder must at a minimum be capable of decoding the EAS

protocol described in Sec. 11.31, provide the EAS monitoring functions

described in Sec. 11.52, and the following minimum specifications:

(1) Inputs. Decoders must have the capability to receive at least 2

audio inputs from EAS monitoring assignments, and one data input (RS-

232C with standard protocol and 1200 baud rate). The data input may be

used to monitor other communications modes such as Radio Broadcast Data

System (RBDS), NWR, satellite, public switched telephone network, or

any other source that uses the EAS protocol.

(2) Valid codes. There must be a means to determine if valid EAS

header codes are received and to determine if preselected header codes

are received.

(3) Storage. Decoders must provide the means to:

(i) Record and store at least two minutes of audio or text

messages.

(ii) Store at least 10 preselected header codes for comparison with

incoming header codes. A non-preselected header code that is manually

transmitted must be stored for comparison with later incoming header

codes. The header codes of the last ten received valid messages which

still have valid time periods must be stored for comparison with the

incoming valid header codes of later messages. The header codes will be

deleted from storage as their valid time periods expire.

(4) Display. A visual message shall be developed from any valid EAS

header codes received. The message will include the Originator, Event,

Location, the valid time period of the message and the local time the

message was transmitted. The message shall be in the primary language

of the broadcast station or cable system and be fully displayed on the

decoder and readable in normal light and darkness.

(5) Indicators. EAS Decoders must have a distinct aural or visible

means to show that it is activated when:

(i) any valid EAS header codes are received as specified in

Sec. 11.33(a)(10).

(ii) preprogrammed header codes, such as those selected in

accordance with Sec. 11.52(d) are received.

(iii) a signal is present at each audio input that is specified in

Sec. 11.33(a)(1).

(6) Program Data Retention. The program data must be retained even

with power removed.

(7) Outputs. Decoders shall have the following outputs: a data port

or ports (RS-232C with standard protocol and 1200 baud rate) where

received valid EAS header codes and received preselected header codes

are available; one audio port that is capable of monitoring each

decoder audio input; and, an internal speaker to enable personnel to

hear audio from each input.

(8) Decoder Programming. Access to decoder programming shall be

protected by a lock or other security measures and be configured so

that authorized personnel can readily select and program the EAS

Decoder with preselected Originator, Event and Location codes for

either manual or automatic operation.

(9) Reset. There shall be a method to automatically or manually

reset the decoder to the normal monitoring condition. If an end of

message code (EOM) is not received for an EAS message, operators shall

be able to select an automatic reset time which may not be less than

two minutes. Messages received with the EAN Event codes shall disable

the reset function so that lengthy audio messages can be handled. The

last message received with valid header codes shall be displayed as

required by Sec. 11.33(a)(4) of this section before the decoder is

reset.

(10) Message Validity. An EAS Decoder must provide error detection

and validation of the header codes of each message to ascertain if the

message is valid. Header code comparisons may be accomplished through

the use of a bit-by-bit compare or any other error detection and

validation protocol. A header code must only be considered valid when

two of the three headers match exactly. Duplicate messages must not be

relayed automatically.

(11) A header code with the EAN Event code specified in

Sec. 11.31(c) that is received through either of the two audio inputs

must override all other EAS messages.

(b) Attention Signal. EAS Decoders at broadcast stations shall have

detection and activation circuitry that will demute a receiver upon

detection of the two audio tones of 853 Hz and 960 Hz. To prevent false

responses, decoders designed to use the two tones for broadcast

receiver demuting shall comply with the following:

(1) Time Delay. A minimum time delay of 8 but not more than 16

seconds of tone reception shall be incorporated into the demuting or

activation process to insure that the tones will be audible for a

period of at least 4 seconds. After July 1, 1995, the time delay shall

be 3-4 seconds.

(2) Operation Bandwidth. The decoder circuitry shall not respond to

tones which vary more than 0.5 Hz from each of the

frequencies, 853 Hz and 960 Hz.

(3) Reset Ability. The decoder shall have a means to manually or

automatically reset the associated broadcast receiver to a muted state.

(c) Decoders shall be capable of operation within the tolerances

specified in this section as well as those in Secs. 11.32(b), (c) and

(d).

Sec. 11.34 Acceptability of the equipment.

(a) An EAS Encoder used for generating the EAS codes and the

Attention Signal must be Certified in accordance with the procedures in

Part 2, Subpart J, of this chapter. The data and information submitted

must show the capability of the equipment to meet the requirements of

this Part as well as the requirements contained in Part 15 of this

chapter for digital devices.

(b) Decoders used for the detection of the EAS codes and receiving

the Attention Signal must be Certified in accordance with the

procedures in Part 2, Subpart J, of this chapter. The data and

information submitted must show the capability of the equipment to meet

the requirements of this Part as well as the requirements contained in

Part 15 of this chapter for digital devices.

(c) The functions of the EAS decoder, Attention Signal generator

and receiver, and the EAS Encoder specified in Secs. 11.31, 11.32 and

11.33 may be combined and notified as a single unit provided that the

unit complies with all specifications in this rule section.

(d) Manufacturers must include instructions and information on how

to install, operate and program an EAS Encoder, EAS Decoder, or

combined unit and a list of all State and county FIPS numbers with each

unit sold or marketed in the U.S.

(e) Waiver requests of the Certification requirements for EAS

Encoders or EAS Decoders which are constructed for use at a broadcast

station or subject cable system, but are not offered for sale will be

considered on an individual basis in accordance with Part 1, Subpart G,

of this chapter.

Sec. 11.35 Equipment operational readiness.

(a) Broadcast stations and subject cable systems are responsible

for ensuring that EAS Encoders, EAS Decoders and Attention Signal

generating and receiving equipment used as part of the EAS is installed

so that the monitoring and transmitting functions are available during

the times the broadcast station or cable system is in operation.

Additionally, broadcast stations and subject cable systems must

determine the cause of any failure to receive the required tests or

activations specified in Secs. 11.61(a) (1) and (2). Appropriate

entries must be made in the broadcast station log as specified in

Sec. 73.1820 and Sec. 73.1840 of this chapter, cable system record in

Sec. 76.305 of this chapter indicating reasons why any tests were not

received.

(b) If the EAS Encoder or EAS Decoder becomes defective the

broadcast station or subject cable system may operate without the

defective equipment pending its repair or replacement for a period not

in excess of 60 days without further FCC authority. Entries shall be

made in the broadcast station log or subject cable system records

showing the date and time the equipment was removed and restored to

service. For personnel training purposes, the required monthly test

script must still be transmitted even though the equipment for

generating the EAS message codes, Attention Signal and EOM code is not

functioning.

(c) An informal request may be made to the Engineer-in-charge of

the FCC field office serving area in which the broadcast station or

subject cable system is located for additional time to complete repairs

to the defective equipment. These requests must explain what steps have

been taken to repair or replace the defective equipment, the

alternative procedures being used while the defective equipment is out

of service, and when the defective equipment will be repaired or

replaced.

Subpart C--Organization

Sec. 11.41 Participation in EAS.

(a) All broadcast stations and cable systems specified in

Sec. 11.11 are categorized as Participating National (PN) sources

unless authorized by the FCC to be Non-Participating National (NN)

sources.

(b) A broadcast station or cable system may submit a written

request to the FCC asking to be a Non-Participating National (NN)

source. The FCC may then issue a Non-participating National

Authorization letter. NN sources must go off the air during a national

EAS activation.

(1) Any existing station that is a Non-participating National (NN)

source under Sec. 11.18(f) that wants to become a Participating

National (PN) source in the national level EAS must submit a written

request to the FCC.

(2) NN sources may voluntarily participate in the State and Local

Area EAS. Participation is at the discretion of broadcast station and

cable system management and will be in accordance with the provisions

of State and Local Area EAS Plans.

(c) All sources, including NN, must have immediate access to an EAS

Operating Handbook and a Red Envelope Authenticator List and be placed

on the EAS mailing list maintained by the FCC.

Sec. 11.42 Participation by communications common carriers.

(a) During activation of the National level EAS, communications

common carriers which have facilities available in place may, without

charge, connect:

(1) An originating source from the nearest service area to a

selected Test Center and then to the radio and television broadcast

networks, and cable networks and program suppliers for the duration of

the emergency, provided an Emergency Action Notification is issued by

the White House and the originating source has a local channel from the

originating point to the nearest service area.

(2) An independent broadcast station to the radio and television

broadcast networks, and cable networks and program suppliers provided

the station has in service a local channel from the station's studio or

transmitter directly to the broadcast source.

(b) Upon receipt of the Emergency Action Termination, the common

carriers shall disconnect the originating source and the participating

independent stations and restore the networks and program suppliers to

their original configurations.

(c) During a National level EAS Closed Circuit Test, common

carriers which have facilities in place may, without charge, connect an

originating source from the nearest service area to a selected Test

Center and then to the radio networks and, if participating, any

television networks and cable networks and program suppliers.

Independent stations will not be connected during the test unless

authorized by the FCC. Upon test termination, participants shall be

restored to their original configurations.

(d) A common carrier rendering free service shall file with the

FCC, on or before July 31st and January 31st of each year, reports

covering the six months ending on June 30th and December 31st

respectively. These reports shall state what free service was rendered

under this rule and the charges in dollars which would have accrued to

the carrier for this service if charges had been collected at the

published tariff rates if such carriers are required to file tariffs.

Sec. 11.43 National level participation.

The industry entities voluntarily participating in the national

level EAS are:

(a) Radio Networks.

(1) ABC.

(2) Associated Press (APR).

(3) CBS.

(4) CNN.

(5) Jones Satellite Audio.

(6) Moody Broadcasting Network.

(7) Mutual Broadcasting System (MBS).

(8) MUZAK.

(9) NBC.

(10) National Public (NPR).

(11) Unistar.

(12) United Press International (UPIR).

(13) USA.

(b) Television Networks.

(1) ABC.

(2) CBS.

(3) FOX.

(4) NBC.

(5) PBS.

(c) Cable Program Suppliers.

(1) Cable News Network (CNN) and CNN Headline News.

(2) Cinemax.

(3) Disney Channel.

(4) Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN).

(5) Home Box Office (HBO).

(6) Movie Channel.

(7) MTV.

(8) The Nashville Network.

(9) Nickelodeon.

(10) Showtime.

(11) VH-1.

(12) Weather Channel.

(d) Wire Services.

(1) Associated Press (AP).

(2) Reuters.

(3) United Press International (UPI).

(e) Common Carriers.

(1) American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T).

(2) [Reserved]

(f) Entities that wish to voluntarily participate in the national

level EAS may submit a written request to the FCC.

Sec. 11.44 EAS message priorities.

(a) A national activation of the EAS for a Presidential message

with the Event code EAN as specified in Sec. 11.31 must take priority

over any other message and preempt it if it is in progress.

(b) EAS participants should transmit other EAS messages in the

following order: first, Local Area Messages; second, State Messages;

and third, National Information Center (NIC) Messages.

(c) Key EAS sources (NP, LP, SP and SR) and Participating National

(PN) sources that remain on the air during a National emergency must

carry Presidential Messages ``live'' at the time of transmission or

immediately upon receipt. Activation of the National level EAS must

preempt State and Local Area EAS operation.

(d) During a national emergency, the radio and television broadcast

network program distribution facilities must be reserved exclusively

for distribution of Presidential Messages. NIC messages received from

national networks which are not broadcast at the time of original

transmission must be recorded locally by LP sources for transmission at

the earliest opportunity consistent with the message priorities in

paragraph (b) of this section.

Sec. 11.45 Prohibition of false or deceptive EAS transmissions.

No person may transmit or cause to transmit the EAS codes or

Attention Signal, or a recording or simulation thereof, in any

circumstance other than in an actual National, State or Local Area

emergency or authorized test of the EAS. Broadcast station licensees

should also refer to Sec. 73.1217 of this chapter.

Sec. 11.46 EAS public service announcements.

Broadcast stations may use Public Service Announcements or obtain

commercial sponsors for announcements, informercials, or programs

explaining the EAS to the public. Such announcements and programs may

not be a part of alerts or tests, and may not simulate or attempt to

copy alert tones or codes.

Subpart D--Emergency Operations

Sec. 11.51 EAS code and Attention Signal Transmission requirements.

(a) Broadcast stations must transmit, either automatically or

manually, national level EAS messages and required tests by sending the

EAS header codes, Attention Signal, emergency message and End of

Message (EOM) using the EAS Protocol. The Attention Signal must precede

any emergency audio message. After July 1, 1997, the shortened

Attention Signal may only be used as an audio alert signal and the EAS

codes will become the minimum signalling requirement for National level

messages and tests.

(b) Broadcast stations may transmit only the EAS header codes and

the EOM code without the Attention Signal and emergency message for

State and local emergencies. Television stations and cable systems

should ensure that pauses in video programming before EAS message

transmission do not cause television receivers to mute EAS audio

messages.

(c) Effective July 1, 1996, all radio and television stations shall

transmit EAS messages in the main audio channel.

(d) By the above date, television stations shall transmit a visual

message containing the Originator, Event, Location and the valid time

period of an EAS message. If the message is a video crawl, it shall be

displayed at the top of the television screen or where it will not

interfere with other visual messages.

(e) Class D non-commercial educational FM stations as defined in

Sec. 73.506 of this chapter and low power TV stations as defined in

Sec. 74.701(f) of this chapter are not required to have equipment

capable of generating the EAS codes and Attention Signal specified in

Sec. 11.31.

(f) Broadcast stations may additionally transmit EAS messages

through other communications means other than the main audio channel.

For example, FM stations may transmit the EAS codes on subcarriers

including 57 kHz using the RBDS standard produced by the National Radio

Systems Committee (NRSC) and television stations may use subsidiary

communications services.

(g) Broadcast stations are responsible for ensuring that the

equipment for generating the EAS codes and the Attention Signal shall

modulate a broadcast station transmitter so that the signal broadcast

to other broadcast stations and cable systems alerts them that the EAS

is being activated or tested at the National, State or Local Area

level. The minimum level of modulation for EAS codes, measured at peak

modulation levels using the internal calibration output specified in

Sec. 11.32(a)(4) shall modulate the transmitter at no less than 80% of

full channel modulation limits. Measured at peak modulation levels,

each of the Attention Signal tones shall be calibrated separately to

modulate the transmitter at no less than 40%. These two calibrated

modulation levels shall have values that are within 1 dB of each other.

(h) Effective July 1, 1997, cable systems shall transmit EAS audio

messages in the same order specified in paragraph (a) of this section.

The Attention Signal may be produced from a storage device.

Additionally, subject cable systems must:

(1) Install, operate, and maintain equipment capable of generating

the EAS codes. The modulation levels for the EAS codes and Attention

Signal for cable systems shall comply with the aural signal

requirements in Sec. 76.605 of this chapter. This will provide

sufficient signal levels to operate cable subscriber television or

radio receivers equipped with EAS decoders and to audibly alert

subscribers.

(2) Provide a video interruption and an audio EAS message on all

channels. The audio message must state which channel is carrying the

visual EAS message.

(3) Subject cable systems shall transmit a visual EAS message on at

least one channel. The message shall contain the Originator, Event,

Location and the valid time period of the EAS message. If the visual

message is a video crawl, it shall be displayed at the top of the

subscriber's television screen or where it will not interfere with

other visual messages.

(4) Cable systems shall provide a method to alert hearing impaired

or deaf subscribers to EAS messages. Methods may include: a box that

displays EAS messages and activates other alerting mechanisms or

lights; visual messages on all channels; etc.

(5) Cable systems may elect not to interrupt EAS messages from

broadcast stations based on a written agreement between all concerned.

(i) Other technologies and public service providers, such as DBS,

low earth orbiting satellites, etc., that wish to participate in the

EAS may contact the FCC's EAS office or their State Emergency

Communication Committee for information and guidance.

(j) If manual interrupt is used as specified in paragraph (l) of

this section, EAS Encoders must be located so that station or cable

staff, at normal duty locations, can initiate the EAS code and

Attention Signal transmission.

(k) Broadcast stations or cable systems that are co-owned and co-

located with a combined studio or control facility (such as an AM and

FM licensed to the same entity and at the same location or a cable

headend serving more than one system) may provide the EAS transmitting

requirements contained in this section for the combined station or

cable system with one EAS Encoder. The requirements of Sec. 11.32 must

be met for both the broadcast station and cable system.

(l) Broadcast stations and cable systems are required to transmit

all received EAS messages in which the header code contains the Event

codes for Emergency Action Notification (EAN), Emergency Action

Termination (EAT), and Required Monthly Test (RMT), with the

accompanying location codes for their State and State/county. These EAS

messages shall be retransmitted unchanged except for the LLLLLLLL- code

which identifies the broadcast station or cable system retransmitting

the message. See Sec. 11.31(c). If an EAS source originates any EAS

messages with the above Event codes, it must include the location codes

for the State and counties in its service area. When transmitting the

required weekly test, broadcast stations and subject cable systems will

use the event code RWT. The location codes will be the state and county

for the broadcast station city of license or subject cable system

community. Other location codes may be included upon approval of

station or cable system management approval. EAS code requirements and

examples are provided in the EAS Operating Handbook. Operations may be

conducted automatically or manually.

(1) Automatic interrupt of programming and transmission of EAS

messages is required when facilities are unattended and must include a

permanent record that contains at a minimum the following information:

Originator, Event, Location and valid time period of the message. The

decoder performs the functions necessary to determine which EAS

messages are automatically transmitted by the encoder.

(2) Manual interrupt of programming and transmission of EAS

messages may be used. EAS messages with the EAN and EAT Event codes

must be transmitted immediately and Monthly EAS test messages within 15

minutes. All actions must be logged or recorded.

(m) Broadcast stations and cable systems may employ a minimum delay

feature, not to exceed 15 minutes, for automatic interrupt of EAS codes

but not for the EAN Event which must be transmitted immediately.

(n) Either manual or automatic operation of EAS equipment may be

used at broadcast stations or cable systems that use remote control. If

manual operation is used, an EAS decoder must be located at the remote

control location and directly monitor the signals of the two assigned

EAS sources. If direct monitoring of the assigned EAS sources is not

possible at the remote location, automatic operation is required. If

automatic operation is used, the remote control location may be used to

override the transmission of an EAS message. Broadcast stations and

cable systems may change back and forth between automatic and manual

operation.

Sec. 11.52 EAS code and Attention Signal Monitoring requirements

(a) Before July 1, 1997, broadcast stations must be capable of

receiving the Attention Signal required by Sec. 11.32(a)(9) and

emergency messages of other broadcast stations during their hours of

operation. Effective July 1, 1996, all broadcast stations must install

and operate during their hours of operation, equipment capable of

receiving and decoding, either automatically or manually, the EAS

header codes, emergency messages and EOM code. The effective date for

subject cable systems is July 1, 1997. NOTE: after July 1, 1997, the

two-tone Attention Signal will not be used to actuate two-tone decoders

but will be used as an aural alert signal.

(b) If manual interrupt is used as specified in Sec. 11.51(l)(2),

decoders must be located so that operators at their normal duty

stations at broadcast stations and cable systems can be alerted

immediately when EAS messages are received.

(c) Broadcast stations or cable systems that are co-owned and co-

located with a combined studio or control facility, (such as an AM and

FM licensed to the same entity and at the same location or a cable

headend serving more than one system) may provide the EAS monitoring

requirements contained in this section for the combined station or

cable system with one EAS Decoder. The requirements of Sec. 11.33 must

be met for the combined station or cable system.

(d) Broadcast stations and subject cable systems must monitor the

two EAS sources assigned in accordance with the monitoring priorities

in the EAS Operating Handbook. The off-air monitoring assignments of

each broadcast station and cable system are specified in the State EAS

Plan and FCC Mapbook.

(1) If the required EAS sources cannot be received, alternate

arrangements or a waiver may be obtained by written request to the

FCC's EAS office. In an emergency, a waiver may be issued over the

telephone with a follow up letter to confirm temporary or permanent

reassignment.

(2) Broadcast station and cable system management will determine

which header codes will automatically interrupt their programming for

State and Local Area emergency situations affecting their audiences.

(e) A broadcast station or cable system is required to interrupt

normal programming either automatically or manually when it receives an

EAS message in which the header code contains the Event codes for

Emergency Action Notification (EAN), Emergency Action Termination

(EAT), or Required Monthly Test (RMT) for its State or State/county

location.

(1) Automatic interrupt of programming is required when facilities

are unattended. Automatic operation must provide a permanent record of

the EAS message that contains at a minimum the following information:

Originator, Event, Location and valid time period of the message.

(2) Manual interrupt of programming and transmission of EAS

messages may be used. EAS messages with the EAN Event code must be

transmitted immediately and Monthly EAS test messages within 15

minutes. All actions must be logged or recorded. Decoders must be

programmed for the EAN and EAT Event header codes for EAS National

level emergencies and the RMT and RWT Event header codes for required

monthly and weekly tests, with the appropriate accompanying State and

State/county location codes.

Sec. 11.53 Dissemination of Emergency Action Notification.

Initiation of the EAN by any one of the following sources is

sufficient to begin the emergency actions in Sec. 11.54.

(a) National Level. The EAN is issued by the White House. The EAN

message is sent from an origination point to control points of the

participating radio and television networks, cable networks and program

suppliers, wire services, communications common carriers and other

entities. It is then disseminated via:

(1) Radio and television broadcast networks to all affiliates with

the use of internal alerting facilities.

(2) Cable networks and program suppliers to cable systems and

subscribers.

(3) Wire services to all subscribers (AM, FM, TV, LPTV and other

stations).

(4) Off-air monitoring of EAS sources.

(b) State level and Local Area levels. EAN dissemination

arrangements at these levels originate from State and local governments

in accordance with State and Local Area plans.

(c) Broadcast stations must, prior to commencing routine operation

or originating any emissions under program test, equipment test,

experimental, or other authorizations, determine whether the EAS has

been activated by any of the following methods:

(1) Monitor the radio and TV networks and cable systems.

(2) Check the wire services.

(3) Monitor the assigned EAS sources.

Sec. 11.54 EAS operation during a National Level emergency.

(a) The EAS Operating Handbook summarizes the procedures to be

followed upon receipt of a National level EAN or EAT Message.

(b) Immediately upon receipt of an EAN message, broadcast stations

and cable systems must:

(1) Monitor the radio and television networks, cable networks and

program suppliers, and wire services for further instructions.

(2) Verify the authenticity of the EAN message with the current Red

Envelope Authenticator List (broadcast stations only).

(3) Monitor the two EAS sources assigned in the State or Local Area

plan or FCC Mapbook for any further instructions.

(4) Discontinue normal programming and follow the transmission

procedures in the appropriate section of the EAS Operating Handbook.

Announcements may be made in the same language as the primary language

of the station.

(i) Key EAS sources (National Primary (NP), Local Primary (LP),

State Primary (SP), State Relay (SR) and Participating National (PN)

sources) follow the transmission procedures and make the announcements

in the National Level Instructions of the EAS Operating Handbook.

(ii) Non-participating National (NN) sources follow the

transmission procedures and make the sign-off announcement in the EAS

Operating Handbook's National Level Instructions section for NN

sources. After the sign-off announcement, NN sources are required to

remove their carriers from the air and monitor for the Emergency Action

Termination message. NN sources using automatic interrupt under

Sec. 11.51(l)(1) must transmit the header codes, Attention Signal,

sign-off announcement and EOM code after receiving the appropriate EAS

header codes for a national emergency.

(5) After completing the above transmission procedures, key EAS and

Participating National sources must transmit a common emergency message

until receipt of the Emergency Action Termination Message. Message

priorities are specified in Sec. 11.44. If LP or SR sources of a Local

Area cannot provide an emergency message feed, any source in the Local

Area may elect to provide a message feed. This should be done in an

organized manner as designated in State and Local Area EAS Plans.

(6) The Standby Script shall be used until emergency messages are

available. The text of the Standby Script is in the EAS Operating

Handbook's section for Participating sources.

(7) TV broadcast stations shall display an appropriate EAS slide

and then transmit all EAS announcements visually and aurally as

specified in Sec. 73.1250(h) of this chapter.

(8) Announcements may be made in the same language as the primary

language of the station.

(9) Broadcast Stations in the International Broadcast Service must

cease broadcasting immediately upon receipt of an Emergency Action

Notification and must maintain radio silence until an EAT is issued.

Such stations may be issued an emergency authorization by the FCC with

concurrence of the Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy,

to transmit Federal government broadcasts or communications.

(10) Broadcast stations may transmit their call letters and cable

systems may transmit the names of the communities they serve during an

EAS activation. EAS State and Local Area identifications must be given

as provided in State and Local Area EAS plans.

(11) All broadcast stations and cable systems operating and

identified with a particular Local Area must transmit a common national

emergency message until receipt of the Emergency Action Termination.

(12) Broadcast stations, except those holding an EAS Non-

participating National Authorization letter, are exempt from complying

with Sec. 73.62 and Sec. 73.1560 of this chapter (operating power

maintenance) while operating under this part.

(13) National Primary (NP) sources must operate under the

procedures in the National Control Point Procedures.

(14) The time of receipt of the EAN and Emergency Action

Termination messages shall be entered in the broadcast station logs (as

specified in Sec. 73.1820 and Sec. 73.1840 of this chapter), or the

cable system records (as specified in Sec. 76.305 of this chapter).

(c) Upon receipt of an Emergency Action Termination Message,

broadcast stations and cable systems must follow the termination

procedures in the EAS Operating Handbook.

(d) Broadcast stations and cable systems originating emergency

communications under this section shall be considered to have conferred

rebroadcast authority, as required by Section 325(a) of the

Communications Act of 1934, 47 U.S.C. Sec. 325(a), to other

participating broadcast stations and cable systems.

Sec. 11.55 EAS operation during a State or Local Area emergency.

(a) The EAS may be activated at the State or Local Area levels by

broadcast stations and cable systems at their discretion for day-to-day

emergency situations posing a threat to life and property. Examples of

natural emergencies which may warrant activation are: tornadoes,

floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, heavy snows, icing conditions,

widespread fires, etc. Man-made emergencies may include: toxic gas

leaks or liquid spills, widespread power failures, industrial

explosions, and civil disorders.

(b) EAS operations must be conducted as specified in State and

Local Area EAS Plans. The plans must list all authorized entities

participating in the State or Local Area EAS.

(c) Immediately upon receipt of a State or Local Area EAS message,

participating broadcast stations and cable systems must do the

following:

(1) State Relay (SR) sources monitor the State Relay Network or

follow the State EAS plan for instructions from the State Primary (SP)

source.

(2) Local Primary (LP) sources monitor the Local Area SR sources or

follow the State EAS plan for instructions.

(3) Participating National (PN) and Non-participating National (NN)

sources monitor the Local Area LP sources for instructions.

(4) Broadcast stations and cable systems participating in the State

or Local Area EAS must discontinue normal programming and follow the

procedures in the State and Local Area Plans. Television stations must

comply with Sec. 11.54(b)(7). Broadcast stations providing foreign

language programming shall comply with Sec. 11.54(b)(8).

(5) Upon completion of the State or Local Area EAS transmission

procedures, resume normal programming until receipt of the cue from the

SR or LP sources in your Local Area. At that time begin transmitting

the common emergency message received from the above sources.

(6) Resume normal operations upon conclusion of the message.

(7) The times of the above EAS actions must be entered in the

broadcast station or cable system records as specified in

Sec. 11.54(b)(15), FCC Form 201 may be used to report EAS activations.

(8) Use of the EAS codes or Attention Signal automatically grants

rebroadcast authority as specified in Sec. 11.54(d).

Subpart E--Tests

Sec. 11.61 Tests of EAS procedures.

(a) Tests shall be made at regular intervals as indicated below.

Additional tests may be performed anytime. EAS activations and special

tests may be performed in lieu of required tests as specified in

paragraph (a)(6) of this section. All tests will conform with the

procedures in the EAS Operating Handbook.

(1) Required Monthly Tests of the EAS header codes, Attention

Signal, Test Script and EOM code.

(i) Effective July 1, 1996, AM, FM and TV stations.

(ii) Effective July 1, 1997, cable systems.

(iii) Tests in odd numbered months shall occur between 8:30 a.m.

and local sunset. Tests in even numbered months shall occur between

local sunset and 8:30 a.m. They will originate from Local or State

Primary sources. Time and script content will be developed by State

Emergency Communications Committees in cooperation with affected

broadcast stations, cable systems, and other participants. Script

content can be in the primary language of the broadcast station or

cable system. These monthly tests must be transmitted within 15 minutes

of receipt by broadcast stations and cable systems in an EAS Local Area

or State. Class D non-commercial educational FM and LPTV stations need

to transmit only the test script.

(2) Required Weekly Tests:

(i) Attention Signal. Until July 1, 1996, broadcast stations must

conduct tests of the Attention Signal and Test Script at least once a

week at random days and times between 8:30 a.m. and local sunset. Class

D non-commercial educational FM and LPTV stations do not need to

transmit the Attention Signal. Script content can be in the primary

language of the station.

(ii) EAS Header Codes and EOM Codes:

(A) Effective July 1, 1996, AM, FM and TV stations must conduct

tests of the EAS header and EOM codes at least once a week at random

days and times.

(B) Effective July 1, 1997, subject cable systems must conduct

tests of the EAS header and EOM codes at least once a week at random

days and times.

(iii) Class D non-commercial educational FM and LPTV stations are

not required to transmit this test but must log receipt.

(iv) The EAS weekly test is not required during the week that a

monthly test is conducted.

(3) Periodic Wire Service Tests. AP, Reuters and UPI shall

separately conduct test transmissions to broadcast stations and cable

systems on their wire networks. Tests may occur no more than once a

month at random times selected by the wire services. These tests shall

conform with the procedures in the EAS Operating Handbook and the

National Control Point Procedures.

(4) Weekly Emergency Action Notification (EAN) network

transmissions. Tests of the National level interconnection facilities

shall be conducted on a random basis once each week. They shall

originate from the Federal government over a dedicated network to

specified control points of the radio and television networks, cable

networks and program suppliers, wire services, common carriers and

other organizations. The tests shall conform with the National Control

Point Procedures.

(5) Periodic National Tests. National Primary (NP) sources shall

participate in tests as appropriate. The FCC may request a report of

these tests.

(6) EAS activations and special tests. The EAS may be activated at

the State or Local Area level by a broadcast station or cable system in

lieu of the monthly or weekly tests required by this section. Such

activation must include transmission of the EAS header codes, Attention

Signal, emergency message and EOM code for substitution of the monthly

test. Activation must include transmission of the Attention Signal and

emergency message for substitution of the weekly test in paragraph

(a)(2)(i) of this section. Activation must include transmission of the

EAS header and EOM codes for substitution of the weekly test in

paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section. Television stations and cable

systems shall comply with the visual message requirements in Sec. 11.51

of this part. Special EAS tests at the State and Local Area levels may

be conducted on a day-to-day basis following procedures in State and

Local Area EAS plans.

(b) Entries shall be made in the broadcast station or cable system

records as specified in Sec. 11.54(b)(14) concerning EAS tests received

and transmitted.

Sec. 11.62 Closed Circuit Tests of National Level EAS facilities.

(a) Closed Circuit Tests (CCT) of National Level EAS facilities

shall be conducted on a random or scheduled basis not more than once a

month and not less than once every three months. Test times will be

selected by the White House in coordination with participating industry

personnel, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the FCC.

The FCC will notify the participating networks, wire services, cable

networks and program suppliers and common carriers of the selected time

window for the test at least four working days (holidays excluded)

before the test.

(b) The EAS Operating Handbook and National Control Point

Procedures contain the CCT procedures.

(c) The control points of the participating radio and television

networks, cable networks and program suppliers, wire services and

common carriers will receive notification of a CCT by a ``Closed

Circuit Test Activation Message''.

(d) Test announcements will originate from a point selected by the

White House with program feed circuitry connected to the telephone

company Toll Test Center at points coordinated for each test.

Participating common carriers will connect, as required, the facilities

of the radio networks and other test participants. Telephone companies

are not authorized to add any participating independent broadcast

stations unless authorized by the FCC. Authentication will be provided

to the Toll Test Center or other program entry location responsible for

test arrangements. Authentication used in the CCT Message will be the

test words on the outside of the Red Envelope Authenticator List.

(e) CCT procedures for radio network affiliates, wire service

subscribers, and, if participating, television network affiliates and

cable systems are as follows:

(1) Notification of a CCT will be disseminated as specified in

Sec. 11.53 (a)(1) and (a)(3) and the EAS Operating Handbook.

(2) Recipients immediately monitor their radio network, and if

participating, their television network or cable system, and check

their wire service for the receipt of the CCT Activation Message.

Verify authenticity using the current Red Authenticator List.

(3) Continue to monitor for the CCT audio talkup and program.

(4) Enter the time of receipt of the CCT message in the broadcast

station log or cable system records.

(5) The CCT terminates on the following aural closing cue in the

text of the test program: ``This concludes the Closed Circuit Test of

the EAS.''

(6) Following the closing cue, wire service subscribers will

receive a ``Closed Circuit Test Termination Message''. Record the time

of receipt as indicated above.

(f) The FCC may request a CCT report in a prescribed format.

PART 73--RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES

7. The authority citation for Part 73 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 334.

8. Part 73, Subpart G, is amended by removing Secs. 73.901 through

73.962, revising the subpart heading, removing all centered headings

and adding Section 73.900 to read as follows:

Subpart G--Emergency Broadcast System

Sec. 73.900 Cross references.

The Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) rules have been renamed the

Emergency Alert System (EAS) and revised. The new EAS rules are

contained in a new Part 11. Equipment type accepted for EBS use under

the old Subpart G rules may continue to be used at broadcast stations

until July 1, 1996, provided that it meets all applicable requirements

of Part 11.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Old section New section

------------------------------------------------------------------------

73.901........................................... 11.1

73.902........................................... 11.1

73.903........................................... 11.11

73.904........................................... Removed

73.905........................................... 11.13

73.906........................................... 11.12

73.907........................................... 11.13

73.908........................................... 11.15

73.909........................................... 11.16

73.910........................................... 11.17

73.912........................................... 11.43

73.913........................................... 11.18

73.914........................................... 11.19

73.915........................................... 11.19

73.916........................................... 11.19

73.917........................................... 11.19

73.918........................................... 11.19

73.919........................................... 11.20

73.920........................................... 11.21(b)

73.921........................................... 11.21

73.922........................................... 11.44

73.926........................................... 11.41

73.927........................................... 11.42

73.931........................................... 11.14, 11.53

73.932........................................... 11.35, 11.51, 11.52

73.933........................................... 11.54

73.935........................................... 11.55

73.936........................................... 11.55

73.937........................................... 11.55

73.940........................................... 11.32

73.941........................................... 11.33

73.942........................................... 11.34

73.943........................................... 11.34

73.961........................................... 11.61

73.962........................................... 11.62

------------------------------------------------------------------------

9. Section 73.1207 is amended by revising paragraph (b)(1) and

adding a new paragraph (c)(4) to read as follows:

Sec. 73.1207 Rebroadcasts.

* * * * *

(b) * * *

(1) Stations originating emergency communications under a State EAS

plan are considered to have conferred rebroadcast authority to other

participating stations.

* * * * *

(c) * * *

(4) Emergency communications originated under a State EAS plan.

* * * * *

10. Section 73.1250 is amended by revising paragraph (c) and

revising the last sentence of paragraph (h) to read as follows:

Sec. 73.1250 Broadcasting emergency information.

* * * * *

(c) If the Emergency Alert System (EAS) is activated for a national

emergency while a Local Area or State emergency operation is in

progress, the national level EAS operation must take precedence. If,

during the broadcasting of Local Area or State emergency information,

the EAS codes or Attention Signal described in Sec. 11.12 of this

chapter are used, the broadcasts are considered as being carried out

under a Local Area or State EAS plan.

* * * * *

(h) * * * However, when an emergency operation is being conducted

under a national, State or Local Area Emergency Alert System (EAS)

plan, emergency information shall be transmitted both aurally and

visually unless only the EAS codes are transmitted as specified in

Sec. 11.51 of this chapter.

11. Section 73.1820 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(1)(iii) to

read as follows.

Sec. 73.1820 Station log.

(a) * * *

(1) * * *

(iii) An entry of each test and activation of the Emergency Alert

System (EAS) pursuant to the requirement of part 11 of this chapter and

the EAS Operating Handbook. Stations may keep EAS data in a special EAS

log which shall be maintained at a convenient location; however, this

log is considered a part of the station log.

* * * * *

12. Section 73.3549 is amended by revising the heading and the

first sentence to read as follows.

Sec. 73.3549 Requests for extension of authority to operate without

required monitors, indicating instruments, and EAS encoders and

decoders.

Requests for extension of authority to operate without required

monitors, transmission system indicating instruments, or encoders and

decoders for monitoring and generating the EAS codes and Attention

Signal should be made to the Engineer in Charge of the Field Office in

which the station is operating. * * *

* * * * *

13. Section 73.4097 is amended by revising the heading to read as

follows:

Sec. 73.4097 EBS (now EAS) attention signals on automated programming

systems.

* * * * *

14. The alphabetical index following Part 73 is amended by removing

the entries for ``EBS (Emergency Broadcast System),'' ``EBS signal

tests--automated systems,'' and ``Emergency information,

Broadcasting,'' and adding the following entries:

ALPHABETICAL INDEX--PART 73

* * * * *

E

* * * * *

EAS (Emergency Alert System--11.1-11.62

EAS signal test-automated systems--73.4097(*)

* * * * *

Emergency Alert System (EAS)--11.1-11.62

PART 76--CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE

15. The authority Citation for Part 76 continues to read:

Authority: Sec. 2, 3, 4, 301, 303., 307, 308, 309, 48 Stat., as

amended, 1064, 1065, 1066, 1081, 1082, 1083, 1084, 1085, 1101; 47

U.S.C. Secs. 152, 153, 154, 301, 303, 307, 308, 309; 532; 533; 535;

542; 543; 552; 554, as amended, 106 Stat. 1460.

16. Section 76.3 is amended by adding a new entry in numerical

order to read as follows:

Sec. 76.3 Other pertinent rules.

* * * * *

Part 11--Emergency Alert System (EAS)

* * * * *

17. Section 76.5 is amended by adding a new paragraph (qq) to read

as follows:

Sec. 76.5 Definitions.

* * * * *

(qq) Emergency Alert System (EAS). The EAS is composed of broadcast

networks; cable networks and program suppliers; AM, FM and TV broadcast

stations; Low Power TV (LPTV) stations; subject cable systems; and

other entities and industries operating on an organized basis during

emergencies at the National, State, or local levels.

18. Section 76.301 is revised to read as follows:.

Sec. 76.301 Copies of rules.

The operator of a cable television system shall have a current copy

of Part 76 and, if subject to the Emergency Alert System (EAS) rules

contained in Part 11 of this chapter, an EAS Operating Handbook, and is

expected to be familiar with the rules governing cable television

systems and the EAS. Copies of the Commission's Rules may be obtained

from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office,

Washington, D.C. 20402, at nominal cost. Copies of the EAS Operating

Handbook may be obtained from the Commission's EAS staff, in

Washington, DC.

19. Section 76.305 is amended by adding a new paragraph (a)(1) and

adding and reserving paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows:

Sec. 76.305 Records to be maintained locally by cable system operators

for public inspection.

(a) * * *

(1) A record shall be kept of each test and activation of the

Emergency Alert System (EAS) procedures pursuant to the requirement of

part 11 of this chapter and the EAS Operating Handbook. These records

shall be kept for three years.

(2) [Reserved]

* * * * *

[FR Doc. 94-31317 Filed 12-27-94; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6712-01-M