Sec. 11.52  EAS code and Attention Signal Monitoring requirements

    (a) Before January 1, 1998, broadcast stations must be capable to 
receiving the Attention Signal required by Sec. 11.32(a)(9) and 
emergency messages of other broadcast stations during their hours of 
operation. Effective January 1, 1997, all broadcast stations must 
install and operate during their hours of operation, equipment capable 
of receiving and decoding, either automatically or manually, the EAS 
header codes, emergency messages and EOM code. The effective date for 
subject cable systems is July 1, 1997.

    Note to paragraph (a). After January 1, 1998, the two-tone Attention 
Signal will not be used to actuate two-tone decoders but will be used as 
an aural alert signal.

    (b) If manual interrupt is used as specified in Sec. 11.51(l)(2), 
decoders must be located so that operators at their normal duty stations 
at broadcast stations and cable systems can be alerted immediately when 
EAS messages are received.
    (c) Broadcast stations or cable systems that are co-owned and co-
located with a combined studio or control facility, (such as an AM and 
FM licensed to the same entity and at the same location or a cable 
headend serving more than one system) may provide the EAS monitoring 
requirements contained in this section for the combined station or cable 
system with one EAS Decoder. The requirements of Sec. 11.33 must be met 
for the combined station or cable system.
    (d) Broadcast stations and subject cable systems must monitor the 
two EAS sources assigned in accordance with the monitoring priorities in 
the EAS Operating Handbook. The off-air monitoring assignments of each 
broadcast station and cable system are specified in the State EAS Plan 
and FCC Mapbook.
    (1) If the required EAS sources cannot be received, alternate 
arrangements or a waiver may be obtained by written request to the FCC's 
EAS office. In an emergency, a waiver may be issued over the telephone 
with a follow up letter to confirm temporary or permanent reassignment.
    (2) Broadcast station and cable system management will determine 
which header codes will automatically interrupt their programming for 
State and Local Area emergency situations affecting their audiences.
    (e) A broadcast station or cable system is required to interrupt 
normal programming either automatically or manually when it receives an 
EAS message in which the header code contains the Event codes for 
Emergency Action Notification (EAN), Emergency Action Termination (EAT), 
or Required Monthly Test (RMT) for its State or State/county location.
    (1) Automatic interrupt of programming is required when facilities 
are unattended. Automatic operation must provide a permanent record of 
the EAS message that contains at a minimum the following information: 
Originator, Event, Location and valid time period of the message.
    (2) Manual interrupt of programming and transmission of EAS messages 
may be used. EAS messages with the EAN Event code must be transmitted 
immediately and Monthly EAS test messages within 15 minutes. All actions 
must be logged or recorded. Decoders must be programmed for the EAN and 
EAT Event header codes for EAS National level emergencies and the RMT 
and RWT Event header codes for required monthly and weekly tests, with

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the appropriate accompanying State and State/county location codes.
[ 59 FR 67092 , Dec. 28, 1994, as amended at  60 FR 56000 , Nov. 6, 1995]