National EAS Test Scheduled for August 7, 2019; Day-of-Test Report Due by Midnight

As we wrote about here, the FCC and FEMA will conduct the 2019 National Emergency Alert System (EAS) Test on August 7, 2019 at 2:20 PM EDT. The test will use the over-the-air “daisy chain” distribution method, meaning that it will be initiated on Primary Entry Point broadcast stations, retransmitted by stations that monitor those primary stations, and again retransmitted by stations that monitor the secondary stations. The test will not be distributed using the Internet-based Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) distribution system.

All participating radio and television stations must file a day-of-test reporting form (called “Form 2”) in the EAS Test Reporting System (ETRS). The form is due by 11:59 PM on August 7.

Participating stations will need to file another report form (“Form 3”) by September 23, 2019.

The FCC has stressed the importance of stations reporting accurate information in the report forms.

If you have any questions regarding the Nationwide EAS Test or the reporting forms, please contact any attorney in our office.