Are Software-Based EAS Encoder/Decoder Updates in Broadcasters’ Future?

posted on 4.07.2025

Since the rollout of the modern Emergency Alert System (EAS) on Jan. 1, 1997, broadcasters’ have relied hardware-based EAS encoder/decoder devices produced by a limited number of companies.  

As EAS has evolved over the ensuing 28 years, upgrades have required purchases of new equipment and/or firmware updates. 

The number of endec manufacturers also has shrunk over the past two decades.

Sage Alerting Systems, one of the two largest manufacturers of endecs, announced late last year it would no longer be producing that hardware.

“Current FCC rules are read to require all EAS encoder/decoder devices to be hardware-based, precluding internet-delivered updates to the operating system when necessary to provide new codes and other functionality,” said David Oxenford, an attorney with TAB Associate member law firm Wilkinson Barker Knauer.

If EAS is to continue its evolution, perhaps the time has come to move to a software-based approach to upgrade the nation’s broadcast-based alerting system, similar to mobile phone and personal computer software updates.

The idea has been around for a few years, but Sage’s exit from EAS hardware prompted the National Association of Broadcasters to act.

In a petition for rulemaking filed in late March, the NAB said “Sage’s exit is a clear indicator that the current legacy ecosystem is not sustainable and that the Commission needs to permit more modern approaches to support a long-term, robust emergency alerting system.”

It has asked the FCC to “allow, but not require, Emergency Alert System (EAS) participants to use software-based EAS encoder/decoder (endec) technology instead of a legacy physical hardware device to process EAS messages.” 

The NAB said “modernizing the EAS rules to permit this voluntary approach would enhance the reliability and security of EAS, without compromising the system’s effectiveness.”

The FCC announced April 2 that it is accepting comments in response to the NAB’s petition until May 2.

TAB will keep stations informed as the rulemaking proceeds.

Questions? Contact TAB’s Michael Schneider or call (512) 322-9944.

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