Nationwide EAS Test Scheduled for October 4
FEMA and the FCC today announced that this year’s Nationwide EAS Test is scheduled for October 4, 2023 (with a back-up date of October 11). FEMA issued this Release about the test. The FCC issued a Public Notice which includes a list of recommended steps that broadcasters should take to prepare for the alert. All broadcasters should review the FCC’s Public Notice and the steps that the FCC sets out to ensure that all stations are prepared for the test and have done everything that is required by FCC rules.
The FCC also announced that, by September 15, 2023, broadcasters should review and update, if necessary, their Form I information in the EAS Test Reporting System (ETRS). ETRS is the FCC filing system where stations report on the results of the EAS test. Form I provides the FCC with basic identifying information about the broadcaster and their EAS equipment. Form I was supposed to have been filed by all broadcasters (with some limited exceptions for translators and satellite stations) by February 28, 2023. The FCC has previously issued a reminder about that filing deadline, urging that any broadcaster who did not timely file Form I to do so immediately. This September 15 deadline is for updates that result from station sales, moves, or other changes since Form I was filed. The FCC Public Notice provides more details on ETRS filings.
