*Pages 1--2 from Microsoft Word - 28096.doc* NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th Street, S. W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D. C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418- 0500 Internet: http:// www. fcc. gov TTY: 1- 888- 835- 5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA CONTACT May 27, 2003 Robin Pence (202) 418- 0505 HOMELAND SECURITY: MEDIA SECURITY AND RELIABILITY COUNCIL TO REVIEW EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC WARNING SYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS AT UPCOMING MEETING WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2003 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY TOM RIDGE TO SPEAK Washington, D. C. – Recommendations to ensure effective delivery of emergency information via public warning systems will be presented to leaders from the broadcast, cable and satellite industries at the biannual Media Security and Reliability Council (MSRC) meeting Wednesday, May 28, 2003. U. S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge will participate in the meeting. The meeting will convene at 10 a. m. at the Federal Communications Commission, in the Commission Meeting Room at 445 12 th Street, S. W., Washington, D. C. MSRC is a Federal Advisory Committee that reports to FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell. It is chaired by Dennis J. FitzSimons, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tribune Company. Chairman Powell formed MSRC following the events of September 11, 2001, in order to study, develop and report on best practices designed to assure the optimal reliability, robustness and security of the broadcast and multichannel video programming distribution industries. The Public Communications and Safety Working Group and the Communications Infrastructure Security, Access and Restoration Working Group will present initial best practices recommendations and make their mid- term reports to the Council. The council members have until June 18, 2003 to vote on the best practices which include recommendations to best ensure the delivery of information to the public during times of emergency. Members of the general public may attend the meeting. The FCC will attempt to accommodate as many people as possible. Admittance, however, will be limited to the seating available. Real Audio and streaming video access to the meeting will be available at http:// www. fcc. gov/. The public may submit written comments before the meeting to Barbara Kreisman, the Commission’s Designated Federal Officer for MSRC. The meeting will run from 10: 00 a. m. -11: 30 a. m. in the Commission Meeting Room, TW- C305, 445 12 th Street, S. W., Washington, D. C. Media Bureau contacts: Barbara Kreisman (202) 418- 1605 1 Susan Mort (202) 418- 1043 2