Reminder - EAS Rules Extended to Digital Services as of Dec. 31, 2006
Just a reminder that as of December 31, 2006, the Commission's EAS rules will be extended to most digital services. Specifically, as of December 31st, digital television, digital cable, digital radio (including LPFMs), and satellite digital radio, will be required to comply with Part 11 of the Commission's Rules, which require participation in all national EAS activation. Furthermore, like their analog brethren, digital services will be required to conduct monthly and weekly tests of the EAS procedures consistent with the Commission's Rules.
Digital television and digital radio airing multiple streams of programming are required to make EAS messages available to viewers and listeners on all program streams, including both free and subscription based channels. Stations airing multiple programming streams have a bit of flexibility to determine how the message will be provided over the multiple streams. For example, DTV stations and HD Radio stations can either transmit the emergency signal separately over each stream, or carry the message on one stream and force tune the other streams to that main channel.
Participation in state and local Emergency Alert Systems by digital television and digital radio remains voluntary, but if stations elect to participate in such activations, they must comply with the Part 11 EAS rules. Also, it is noted that Direct Broadcast Satellite television has been given slightly longer to comply with the EAS rules, and must comply with these rules by May 31, 2007.