Sec.  11.52   EAS code and Attention Signal Monitoring requirements.

   Link to an amendment published at  70 FR 71036 , Nov. 25, 2005.

   (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]