[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 47, Volume 1]
[Revised as of October 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 47CFR11.52]

[Page 661]
 
                       TITLE 47--TELECOMMUNICATION
 
              CHAPTER I--FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
 
PART 11--EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM (EAS)--Table of Contents
 
                     Subpart D--Emergency Operations
 
Sec.  11.52  EAS code and Attention Signal Monitoring requirements.

    (a) Before January 1, 1998, broadcast stations must be capable to 
receiving the Attention Signal required by Sec.  11.32(a)(9) and 
emergency messages of other broadcast stations during their hours of 
operation. Effective January 1, 1997, all broadcast stations must 
install and operate during their hours of operation, equipment capable 
of receiving and decoding, either automatically or manually, the EAS 
header codes, emergency messages and EOM code. The effective dates for 
cable and wireless cable systems to install and operate EAS equipment 
are set forth in Sec.  11.11.

    Note to paragraph (a):
    After January 1, 1998, the two-tone Attention Signal will not be 
used to actuate two-tone decoders but will be used as an aural alert 
signal.

    (b) If manual interrupt is used as authorized in Sec.  11.51(j)(2), 
decoders must be located so that operators at their normal duty stations 
at broadcast stations and cable systems and wireless cable systems can 
be alerted immediately when EAS messages are received.
    (c) Broadcast stations and cable systems and wireless cable systems 
that are co-owned and co-located with a combined studio or control 
facility (such as an AM and FM licensed to the same entity and at the 
same location or a cable headend serving more than one system) may 
comply with the EAS monitoring requirements contained in this section 
for the combined station or system with one EAS Decoder. The 
requirements of Sec.  11.33 must be met by the combined facility.
    (d) Broadcast stations and cable systems and wireless cable systems 
must monitor two EAS sources. The monitoring assignments of each 
broadcast station and cable system and wireless cable system are 
specified in the State EAS Plan and FCC Mapbook. They are developed in 
accordance with FCC monitoring priorities.
    (1) If the required EAS sources cannot be received, alternate 
arrangements or a waiver may be obtained by written request to the FCC's 
EAS office. In an emergency, a waiver may be issued over the telephone 
with a follow up letter to confirm temporary or permanent reassignment.
    (2) Broadcast station and cable system and wireless cable system 
management shall determine which header codes will automatically 
interrupt their programming for State and Local Area emergency 
situations affecting their audiences.
    (e) Broadcast stations and cable systems and wireless cable systems 
are required to interrupt normal programming either automatically or 
manually when they receive an EAS message in which the header code 
contains the Event codes for Emergency Action Notification (EAN), 
Emergency Action Termination (EAT), and Required Monthly Test (RMT) for 
their State or State/county location.
    (1) Automatic interrupt of programming is required when facilities 
are unattended. Automatic operation must provide a permanent record of 
the EAS message that contains at a minimum the following information: 
Originator, Event, Location and valid time period of the message.
    (2) Manual interrupt of programming and transmission of EAS messages 
may be used. EAS messages with the EAN Event code must be transmitted 
immediately and Monthly EAS test messages within 60 minutes. All actions 
must be logged and recorded. Decoders must be programmed for the EAN and 
EAT Event header codes for National level emergencies and the RMT and 
RWT Event header codes for required monthly and weekly tests, with the 
appropriate accompanying State and State/county location codes.

[59 FR 67092, Dec. 28, 1994, as amended at 60 FR 56000, Nov. 6, 1995; 63 
FR 29665, June 1, 1998; 67 FR 18510, Apr. 16, 2002]