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  SEPARATE STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER KATHLEEN Q. ABERNATHY 

     Re: In the Matter of the Review of the Emergency Alert 
System, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, adopted August 4, 
2004 

     It is essential that the American public has access to 
emergency information in times of crisis.  The Emergency 
Alert System (``EAS'') provides a means for the President 
and national, state and local authorities to directly relay 
emergency information to the public regarding such matters 
as national security and preparedness, natural disasters, 
and missing children alerts.  As new communications 
technologies develop and become integrated into our society, 
it is important that we adapt our rules to ensure that the 
purposes of the EAS are being fulfilled.  Today, we take an 
important step toward improving this critical public safety 
tool by seeking comment on how we can keep up with the 
changing times, technologies, and security issues.  

     Additionally, I am very pleased that this NPRM 
recognizes the Commission's continued commitment to ensuring 
that persons with disabilities and speakers of other 
languages have equal access to public warnings.  It is 
critical that we keep these communities in mind, and 
recognize the particular benefits that digital and other 
technologies may provide, as we move forward to improve our 
emergency alert system.  

     I look forward to working with DHS, FEMA, NOAA, and NWS 
to create a system that effectively and efficiently utilizes 
modern technology to successfully keep the American public 
apprised of vital safety information.