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Board hears FCC review of emergency alert systems; station reports encoder and antenna upgrades
Summary
During its meeting the Radio Board heard that the FCC is reviewing the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts, and the station reported recent equipment upgrades and a volunteer application.
Marty, the station’s technology volunteer, briefed the Radio Board on two technical topics: a federal review of emergency alerting and recent local equipment upgrades.
On the federal side, Marty said the administration has requested a broad review of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system. "It just came out yesterday that [the] administration has asked for a thorough review ... with an eye on updating the emergency alert system, because it has not been updated for almost 30 years," Marty said. He added that the FCC has recommended reviewing how EAS and WEA work together and how to get messages out when cell service is unavailable.
Locally, board member Butch reported equipment improvements at the station. "Thanks to Marty, we replaced this at the encoder codex encoder. ... Huge difference," Butch said, and he said the outdoor antenna serving the on‑air console was also replaced. Marty said the new antenna and encoder produced "a lot cleaner" audio and fewer on‑air problems.
Marty also said the commission’s composition is in flux, which could affect timing on national rule‑making, and that any changes to alerting systems will require funding decisions to ensure alerts reach people without cell service. "There's a lot to be discussed," Marty said.
Board members noted local operational impacts: the station did not staff the July 4 command center but operated a beer garden broadcast the same night, and upcoming events include Hog Wild and National Night Out later this month. Marty said a volunteer application was recently turned in to HR and is being processed.
No board action was taken on federal policy matters; members were briefed and asked to monitor developments. The technical upgrades reported by Butch and Marty were described as complete improvements to the station’s on‑air quality.
