AM Radio’s Essential Role in the Emergency Alert System

What is the emergency alert system (EAS)?

The EAS is a national public warning system commonly used by state and local authorities to deliver important emergency information, such as weather and AMBER alerts, to affected communities over television and radio. This system’s principle purpose also is to provide the President of the United States with the capability to address the American people within 10 minutes during a national emergency.

Who is responsible for maintaining the EAS?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in partnership with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is responsible for implementing, maintaining, and operating the EAS at the federal level. Broadcasters play a leading role as the stewards of this important public service in close partnership with state, local, tribal, and territorial authorities.

What is AM radio’s role in the EAS?

Nearly 80 AM radio stations play a crucial role serving as Primary Entry Points (PEP) across the country. These are designated radio stations whose signals cover 90% of the American population and have a direct connection to FEMA and the National Weather Service (NWS). In times of crisis, these stations receive emergency information and alerts directly from the federal government, ensuring a reliable and authoritative source of information for the public.

What happens when an emergency alert is distributed?

Once a designated PEP station receives an emergency alert, it broadcasts the message to other connected radio and television stations in a "daisy chain" fashion. This means the message is relayed from one station to another, ensuring the rapid and efficient dissemination of critical information. The daisy chain mechanism allows the emergency alert to reach a wide audience, covering both urban and rural areas, in a short amount of time. This system provides built-in redundancy, as multiple AM radio stations within the same area can receive and relay the same emergency information. This ensures even if one station is compromised or offline, the message will still be disseminated through other stations, providing a resilient system to keep communities informed during emergencies.

Why is AM radio necessary when most people have cells phones or other electronic devices?

• AM radio stations have a long reach, covering a much larger geographical area than a cell phone tower, and can be accessed by anyone with a simple radio device. This ensures vital information is accessible to everyone, including those in rural or remote areas.
• AM radio stations continue to function during power outages, natural disasters, or other emergencies, providing critical updates and information to the public. Wireless emergency alerts may not be as reliable in these situations as cell towers can be damaged or overwhelmed by high call volume.
• AM radio stations can broadcast emergency information in multiple languages, ensuring all members of our local communities receive crucial updates regardless of the language they speak.
• AM radio broadcasts do not require listeners to opt-in or sign up for alerts, ensuring vital information is available to everyone. In contrast, wireless emergency alerts only may be received by those who have compatible devices.
• Whereas wireless alerts can tell you what is happening and where, AM radio can share many more crucial details and actionable information, such as how to stay safe, when the storm will pass, or where help is located. Wireless alerts typically include “Check local media,” directing people to their local AM stations for lifesaving information.
• AM radio stations also provide a real human on the line to help those impacted by the disaster. Recently during a tornado emergency, a local AM radio deejay helped direct emergency services personnel to a caller live on the air, getting that individual vital help he/she needed.