FCC to Test Disaster Information Reporting System June 16-18

posted on 6.09.2025

- Participation Voluntary as Mandate Mulled

The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau is conducting a test of broadcasters’ participation in the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) June 16-18 in an effort to ensure that stations can access and file reports in the system and train new employees in the reporting process.

DIRS is a tool by which broadcasters can report to the FCC on the operational status of their facilities during a disaster and request assistance for issues such as fuel for backup generators.

The bureau will begin the exercise by sending a mock activation letter on June 16 to all registered DIRS participants with tight deadlines for submitting requested data sets.

JUNE 2025 DIRS TESTING DETAILS

While DIRS participation is mandatory for wireless, cable and internet companies that simply pass through information, it’s voluntary for broadcasters who have to produce and deliver the information – for now.

The Commission is exploring whether local broadcast Radio and Television stations also should be required to file DIRS reports during a disaster because at most only a third of stations participate during actual activations.

NAB and TAB have opposed such an effort because station personnel are appropriately focused on informing their communities of rapidly evolving threats during disasters and should not be distracted by a potential regulatory penalty by far-away regulators, especially when their greatest typical need – fuel for backup generators – can seldom be met.

NAB also explained in filed comments that the presence of multiple broadcast licensees in a given community provides a redundancy that other industries do not.

Nonetheless, TAB recommends stations register for DIRS and participate in the June test to ensure they have every possible opportunity to gain assistance if needed during a disaster for which the system has been activated.

Questions? Contact Oscar Rodriguez or call (512) 322-9944.

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