By John Eggerton, Multichannel News, 6-15-21
The National Association of Broadcasters and the network affiliate broadcaster associations are giving the FCC a lot to think about when it comes to whether to extend emergency alert requirements to over-the-top video services.
In comments filed last month, NAB said for a number of reasons streamers weren’t equipped to deliver the alerts. Network affiliates suggested in their own comments this week that, if that were the case, there was a ready solution. All those streamers need to do is carry local TV station signals on their streaming services, which they are pushing the FCC to mandate.
“[T]he Four Affiliates Associations urge the Commission to note in its forthcoming report to Congress that Internet-based streaming services can and should be required to carry local broadcast signals in every market, to ensure that EAS information and other emergency warnings reach all viewers in every market across the country,” the affiliates said. » Read More