FEMA IPAWS PMO Doesn't Want Class A AM Protections Lowered
An FCC-proposed rule change to lower skywave protections for Class A AM stations could limit the reach of presidential emergency alerts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency Integrated Public Alert Warning System Program Management Office commented in a filing posted Thursday…
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in docket 15-91. Presidential messages are intended for use during massive, nationwide disasters. The proposal to lower skywave protections is part of the FCC's AM revitalization rulemaking. It would create “extended areas where stations with which FEMA does not have direct communications pathways may cause interference” to currently protected radio broadcasts, that agency said. The protected stations are usually larger, and the FCC proposal is seen as making it easier for smaller AM stations to sustain their business model. The smaller stations “most likely depend on a relay of the Presidential message” from other stations, FEMA IPAWS PMO said. The FCC proposal would lower the number of stations that receive presidential alerts directly from FEMA, the filing said. “Due to this newly proposed interference, the reach of a Presidential message at a critical time would be diminished. FEMA urges the FCC not to authorize reduced protection to Class A AM skywave service.” The comments came in an emergency alert system proceeding where industry urged the FCC to go slow with EAS changes (see 1606090070).