More EAS Compliance Steps Before Year’s End

posted on 10.30.2023

- ETRS Form 3, ENDEC Software Update

While the National EAS Test has come and gone, Radio and TV broadcasters have a few more compliance matters to attend to before the year comes to a close, with important deadlines looming in November and December. 

ETRS Form 3
All broadcasters are required to file their ETRS Form 3 by Nov. 20 in the final step following the Oct. 4 national test.

Form 3 requires the reporting of more detailed information regarding stations’ performance during the test. Failure to file this report will likely result in costly penalties.

Link to ETRS

ENDEC Software Update
Stations also are required to install software updates to their EAS encoding/decoding devices by Dec. 12 to effectuate various operational changes adopted by the FCC.

The changes include prioritized Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) polling, changes in the text for the Presidential alert event code, and a new script for the National Periodic Test. 

These updates may come with additional charges, depending on a station’s particular subscription, and stations should be vigilant in seeking and activating those updates. 

Manufacturers include Sage Alerting Systems, Gorman-Redlich and Digital Alert Systems.

The importance of keeping ENDEC software updated was underscored by the experience of some stations across the country that failed to receive the Oct. 4 test.

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

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