National EAS Test Deadlines Near

In connection with the FCC’s planned National EAS test on September 28, 2016 all broadcasters (except for TV and FM translators) must register in the EAS Test Reporting System (ETRS) and file EAS Form One. The deadline to take these actions is Friday, August 26, 2016. We have assisted some clients with those filings, and remain available to do so if you have not been able to complete your station’s registration and filing requirements.

Licensees need an FRN and password to register in ETRS. Then, to file EAS Form One, certain technical information is required, such as type of equipment and software. In addition, stations must list the stations/sources that your station monitors in EAS tests.

Very important — if you have not programmed your EAS equipment to receive the national test, do so now. Each station’s EAS equipment must be programmed with the new national location code of six zeros (000000).  This should be programmed with National Periodic Test (NPT) event code.  Without this new location and event code, the national test won’t be received.

The national EAS test is scheduled for September 28, 2016 at 1:20 p.m. central time.  All stations will be required to file EAS Form Two to report the test results within 12 hours of the test (i.e., later on 9/28).  To file EAS Form Two, stations will need yes/no answers to the following questions (a) did the facility receive the EAS message?, and (b) did the facility retransmit the EAS message?

There is now a new FCC-published EAS Handbook that can be found here.  It should be printed and kept near each station’s EAS equipment.

If you’re confused, consult this public notice about the national test process, or give us a call. Most important – don’t miss the initial August 26, 2016 deadline.