WASHINGTON--This is the first full week that alert originators can begin to issue the new Blue Alert event code. In January 2018, the Federal Communications Commission amended its rules regarding EAS and WEA emergency alert codes and voted to add a new code — known by its moniker B L U. This new alert can be used whenever there is imminent danger to a law enforcement officer, such as when an officer is injured, missing and in cases where there is fear of potential injury to law enforcement officers.

Although the new code is now on the books, it’s not mandatory that alert originators use it.

When the FCC moved to amend EAS rules in December 2017 by adding the new event code, the industry had mixed views on the necessity of such a decision. Many comments in the FCC’s ECFS database were critical, with one individual calling the move a “purely political sop” to police organizations, saying there’s no need for an EAS code that “nobody will use.”

The decision to add the code was led by the Department of Justice after two New York City Police detectives were killed in the line of duty in 2014. The new alert codes were put in place to help protect officers, said Chairman Ajit Pai at the time. “We owe [these detectives] and their brave family members who come here today a tremendous debt of gratitude,” Pai said. “[The] FCC attempts to do that today by adopting rules that police officers across America and the communities they so proudly serve will be better protected.”

The order states that state and local agencies have the option to send warnings to the public via EAS broadcast or through the Wireless Emergency Alert system to consumers’ wireless phones. As with Amber Alerts and weather alerts, usage of this code will be voluntary on a case by case basis.

The official go-date for the delivery of Blue Alerts over EAS was Jan. 18, 2019, and broadcast groups like the Alabama Broadcast Association (ABA) encouraged its members to begin to code their EAS equipment to include the Blue Alert. According to Sharon Tinsley, president of ABA, the state’s main law enforcement group, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, does plan to use the alerts when needed.

In response, EAS software manufacturers have been prepping. Digital Alert Systems DasDec users will be able to access the BLU event code as part of the company’s v4.0 software update. Trilithic/Viavi includes the BLU event code in its v18.10 software update. Gorman-Redlich said it has a update, and requests that stations contact their office for details. Sage Endec users are being told that update firmware will be available this week.

Broadcasters and cable operators are also being asked to watch for additional information updates from their individual state emergency communication committees.

Under the order, state and local agencies have the option to send warnings to the public either through EAS broadcast or through the Wireless Emergency Alert system to consumers’ wireless phones. As with Amber Alerts and weather alerts, usage of this Blue Alert code will be voluntary on a case by case basis. 

This Q&A was conducted by TV Technology's sister publication Radio World.

WASHINGTON—Broadcasters have strong opinions about the potential rollout of a new Blue Alert codes by the Federal Communications Commission. Here, Radio World speaks with Clay Freinwald about his thoughts on the issue, including the news that while Washington State will continue to use its existing Blue Alert, it will not be using EAS for it as the FCC has proposed. Clay is a nationally recognized leader of alerting issues among broadcasters. He is also chair of the Washington State Emergency Communications Committee. The opinions expressed are his own.

Radio World: What is your position on the need to establish a Blue Alert with the EAS?

Clay Freinwald: The Blue Alert is similar to the Silver Alert, designed to help locate the elderly that may have become lost. It’s a good idea. However, it does not rise to the level of using the EAS. Silver and Blue Alerts are ideal for social media as well as news items for the electronic media.

RW: Some have said that, despite the good intentions of the proposal, police agencies nationwide already have quick and effective means of reaching the public. What is your take?

Freinwald: We need to understand that EAS is only really effective when all the participants (radio/TV/cable) run the message. At this point the only messages that are required to be aired are those at the federal level, i.e. presidential messages (EANs). Beyond that point, the airing of alerts is 100 percent voluntary, meaning that only the most important messages might get aired, depending on the philosophy of the participant.

Those that are not deemed to be high priority are not likely to be aired. Blue and Silver alerts are likely in the “ignore” category. We need to remember that much, if not most, EAS equipment is pre-programmed how to respond to various event codes due to the large percentage of unattended operations, meaning that this is not an on-the-fly decision but rather a decision that has been pre-made.

This strikes me as being an exercise designed to make some politicians feel they accomplished something without any tangible impact in the end.

RW: It’s been said that the NYPD would have been able to better relay information on major events with a new alert code in place. Would a Blue Alert code offer improvements in some emergency situations?

Freinwald: For the reasons already stated, I do not share this feeling. EAS is not the best vehicle for this type of activity; this is a role for social media.

RW: How does the Law Enforcement Warning alert differ from the Blue Alert? Is your assessment that the existing LEW code is the right way of reaching law enforcement?

Freinwald: The idea of adding another event code is perhaps a misguided concept developed by those who don’t have a good grasp of how EAS actually works. The addition of a new event code is wasteful and unnecessary for the simple reason that the existing LEW could be used without the requirement to spend additional time and money that adding an addition event code to thousands of EAS unit would require.

In the 20-plus years I have been working with EAS, we have never used LEW.

RW: How would a proposed Blue Alert duplicate those efforts?

Freinwald: Many states already have a Blue Alert and a Silver Alert, including Washington State. Just because we have the word “alert” does not mean it’s something that requires the use of EAS.

RW: It’s been said that a mandatory Blue Alert would require the reprogramming of broadcaster EAS ENDECs nationwide. Is this a burden? Can you clarify why?

Freinwald: Certainly, a required-carry Blue Alert would require modification of all existing EAS equipment and this would represent an expense that would likely not be well received. There are already many that view EAS as a wasteful, unfunded federal mandate. This will only add fuel to their argument.

RW: Why would use of a Blue Alert add to public confusion about the current multiple EAS Alert Codes?

Freinwald: Confusion can come from overuse of any alerting system. It’s taken some time for the term Amber Alert to become fully understood and appreciated. Due to the type of system we use with EAS (SAME) there will always be a number of event codes, with each one designed to deal with a specific type of event.

RW: Some argue this proposal sets a bad precedent with possible unfavorable consequences. What might some of those be?

Freinwald: Although a new EAS Alert Code would pose minimal expense, software changes require broadcasters to update their EAS equipment and verify that it continues to operate properly. Updating computer-driven devices is subject to bugs and configuration errors. This process poses a burden on already-struggling broadcasters, especially radio stations, and particularly in situations where EAS sending and receiving equipment is operated at remote locations.

RW: Do you have a sense of what Washington’s stance will be this issue?

Freinwald: Washington State will continue to use its existing Blue Alert, but we will not be using EAS. This is the official policy of the SECC.