Media Contact: 
Rochelle Cohen, (202) 418-1162
rochelle.cohen@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC PROPOSES STRENGTHENING THE EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM
WASHINGTON, January 28, 2016 – The Federal Communications Commission today proposed 
rules to strengthen the Emergency Alert System (EAS), the national public warning system 
through which broadcasters, cable television providers, and other participants deliver emergency
information, such as weather alerts, to Americans. The proposals are intended to improve EAS by 
facilitating involvement on the state and local levels, supporting greater testing and awareness of 
the system, leveraging technological advances, and enhancing EAS security. 
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted today by the Commission, aimed at 
promoting community preparedness and ensuring that the public receives the most effective alerts 
during emergencies, includes proposals to:
? Encourage more strategic engagement in EAS at the state and local levels by 
streamlining, automating, and improving the utility of state EAS plans filed with the 
FCC;
? Authorize state and local alert originators and EAS participants to conduct periodic 
“live” EAS tests, provided that steps are taken to prevent public confusion; and
? Allow federal, state, and local governments to issue public service announcements using
the EAS Attention Signal (i.e., sound), provided that they are presented in a non-
misleading and technically harmless manner.
The NPRM also seeks comment on issues including:
? Measures to enhance EAS security, such as whether EAS participants should be required 
to submit an annual certification that they are following EAS security best practices;
? Whether technological advancements have improved the ability of cable providers to 
offer more specific and informative alert content and, if so, whether the Commission
should retain certain related rule provisions;
? Assessing and meeting public expectations for receiving alerts as content is viewed 
across different technology platforms; and
? How community-based alerting exercises can best meet the needs of individuals with 
limited English proficiency and those with disabilities. 
Further information about EAS is available at https://www.fcc.gov/general/emergency-alert-
system-eas.
Action by the Commission January 28, 2016 by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 16-005).  
Chairman Wheeler and Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, and Pai approving and issuing 
separate statements. Commissioner O'Rielly approving in part and dissenting in part and issuing 
separate statement. 
PS Docket No. 15-94; PS Docket No. 15-91
###
Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
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. Cir. 1974).