WASHINGTON—News organizations have sent a joint letter to federal law enforcement agencies requesting greater transparency and timely information about the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riots and the possibility of further violence, particular in regards to the inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden.

The letter was sent to Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, FBI Director Christopher Wray, Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Pete Gayno, U.S. Capitol Police Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman, U.S. House of Representatives Acting Sergeant at Arms Timothy P. Blodgett and U.S. Senate Acting Sergeant at Arms Jennifer Hemingway.

“The agencies must share information about possible civil unrest in the days leading up to Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, through frequent and regular in-person press briefings so the public and news outlets can be properly informed about viable threats and can take appropriate action to protect themselves,” the letter reads.

NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith offered a similar sentiment in a recent blog post on The Hill.

The organizations that signed the letter include NAB, Asian American Journalists Association, National Association of Black-Owned Broadcasters, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, National Newspaper Association, Native American Journalists Association, News Media Alliance, News Media for Open Government, News Leaders Association, Online News Association, Radio Television Digital News Association, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and Society of Professional Journalists.

The full letter can be read online. 

WASHINGTON—Following the Capitol riots that took place on Jan. 6, NAB’s Gordon Smith believes that law enforcement has a responsibility to be both more transparent with the American people, but also to provide greater security assistance for press as they prepare to cover the inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden on Jan. 20.

Smith shared his views on the events of Jan. 6 and news coverage moving forward—for which he brings a unique perspective as both a former U.S. senator and the current president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters—in a blog post on The Hill.

First, Smith commended the work done by journalists on-site of the Capitol riots and in covering the aftermath. However, he believes that law enforcement has failed in their responsibility in providing transparency.

“The work of the press to keep the American public informed during these dark times has been admirable, valuable and—because of an unacceptable and alarming lack of information provided by law enforcement agencies—necessary,” Smith wrote.

He criticized the U.S. Capitol Police, FBI, Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security for their lack of in-person briefings to answer questions and explain their findings from investigations on the riots. He noted that it was a full week before the first press conference by law enforcement on the attack.

“At a time when our democracy has been shaken to its core, this lack of transparency is inexcusable,” he continued.

The press, Smith pointed out, has been the one to report the FBI warning about armed protests at all 50 state capitals and in D.C. in the days leading up to the inauguration.

With social media posts on pages organizing these potential protests labeling reporters that will cover these events as “soft targets”—members of the media were intimidated and harassed during the Capitol riots—Smith also stressed the need for law enforcement to provide security briefings for media in order to best keep them safe.

“Jan. 6 was a new day of infamy in the chronicle of American history,” Smith wrote. “Yet, the press did not relent in the face of danger, and we are grateful to the dedicated journalists who risked their lives to cover this monumental story. Now, as journalists prepare to cover additional protests, it is of supreme importance that law enforcement equip them with the necessary tools and information to stay out of harm’s way while doing their jobs during these dangerous times.”

The full post is available on The Hill. 

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.