Broadcasters Endorse Virtualized EAS Systems

Allowing broadcasters to use software instead of physical emergency alert system equipment would reduce the down-time needed to repair malfunctions, enable the standby equipment to immediately take over if the software fails, and allow the use of equipment in redundant, geographically diverse locations in cases of large disasters, said NAB, New York Public Radio, iHeartMedia, Capitol Broadcasting and Graham Media in a meeting with an aide to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel Wednesday, said an ex parte filing posted in docket 15-94 Friday. NAB’s proposal is to make the switch to software voluntary and create systems that would still operate if Internet or cloud connectivity were interrupted, the filing said. “We are agnostic regarding the development of the desired software,” said the broadcasters. “We anticipate, and would likely prefer, that the existing trusted vendors of EAS equipment take the lead in such an effort.”