DA # 01-1197
May 23, 2001
The Federal Communications Commission has released the 2001 edition of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) AM/FM, TV and Cable Handbooks. The EAS Handbooks contain basic system operation procedures for broadcast station and cable system operators to use during EAS activations. These documents provide instructions for national, state and local EAS activations. They also contain testing procedures and script samples that may be used during EAS activations and tests.
The 2001 EAS Handbooks are essentially the same as the 1997 and 1998 versions, with the exception of references to the ``Authenticator List.'' The FCC discontinued the use of the authenticator lists in 1998. The new Handbooks were, therefore, modified to delete any reference to such lists.
Section 11.15 of the Commission's rules requires that 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.'' Either the 1997 and 1998 versions or these new 2001 versions of the Handbooks may be used for compliance with the FCC Rules.
The new Handbooks can be downloaded from the Enforcement Bureau's Internet home page at: www.fcc.gov/eb/eas . (AM/FM Handbook is 30 pages, 229 KB, the TV Handbook is 30 pages, 229 KB, and the Cable Handbook is 31 pages, 206 KB). Printed copies may be ordered by calling toll free: 1 800-418-3676
Enforcement Bureau contacts: John Winston at (202) 418-7450 and Bonnie Gay at (202) 418-1228.