No 2020 Nationwide EAS Test

When the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau recently issued a report of the August 7, 2019 Nationwide EAS Test, we noted that it made no reference to a 2020 test. We’ve now learned that FEMA has cancelled the annual test for this year, citing COVID challenges that broadcasters are facing, as well as the 2019 test results showing 85% compliance.  So stations will not have to participate in a 2020 test or file those pesky 3 EAS reports.  The next Nationwide EAS Test will be held in 2021.  We do recommend that stations check EAS equipment to ensure that it is functioning and has the latest software updates.