By Radio News Now Staff
The National Association of Broadcasters supports allowing software-based Emergency Alert System operation, but says the FCC’s proposed 72-hour deadline for repairing or replacing defective EAS software is not workable.
In comments filed August 29, NAB asked the commission to retain the existing 60-day timeframe until stations and vendors have real-world experience with virtualized EAS systems. The organization notes that many stations test EAS functionality weekly, meaning a defect might not even be discovered within a 72-hour period.
NAB also argues that a failure could involve the server, computer, firewall or other hardware rather than the EAS software itself. Diagnosis, vendor support and replacement equipment may take longer than three days.
Important distinction
The 72-hour deadline is a proposal under consideration, not an adopted rule. Reply comments are due September 29. The separate EAS cybersecurity requirements already adopted by the FCC should not be confused with this pending repair proposal.
NAB favors an optional software model running on trusted local or edge hardware, but cautions against a cloud-dependent design that could fail when internet and cellular service disappear during a disaster.