The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is pressing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to move swiftly in approving a software-based alternative for the Emergency Alert System (EAS), warning that the traditional hardware ecosystem is becoming unsustainable.
Broadcast Industry Seeks a Digital Overhaul
For years, EAS participants—radio and television stations, cable providers, and other broadcasters—have relied on hardware devices to encode and decode emergency alerts. However, NAB argues that sticking to physical devices is becoming increasingly impractical. The trade group initially proposed software-based EAS in 2022 as part of the FCC’s review of cybersecurity in emergency alerts. Now, it’s calling for urgent action, citing growing concerns over the viability of legacy hardware systems.
One major factor accelerating the issue is the recent decision by Sage Alerting Systems, one of only two remaining EAS hardware manufacturers, to stop producing its devices. The company has cited supply chain disruptions as a key reason for its exit. With fewer vendors supporting the system, broadcasters are left with limited options when it comes to replacing aging hardware.
Broadcasters Face Equipment Challenges
The NAB highlights the growing difficulty many broadcasters, particularly smaller radio stations, face in maintaining their EAS equipment. As legacy devices wear out, replacing them becomes both costly and complicated, especially given the dwindling number of manufacturers.
- Broadcasters relying on legacy EAS hardware could soon face shortages and price hikes due to limited vendor availability.
- Many stations already use software-based solutions for various broadcast functions, making software-based EAS a logical next step.
- Cybersecurity concerns are mounting, and software EAS could provide enhanced security features through regular updates and encryption.
With Sage’s departure from the market, NAB is raising the alarm that the entire EAS infrastructure could be at risk if the industry remains dependent on physical hardware. A shift to software, NAB argues, would offer greater flexibility, longevity, and resilience in emergency communications.
A Model for Software Integration
Currently, FCC rules require that EAS encoding and decoding be performed on dedicated physical devices. NAB’s proposal envisions a different future—one where EAS processing could take place on trusted, certified software platforms already integrated into broadcasters’ operations.
This concept isn’t new. NAB points to the successful deployment of Nielsen’s Portable People Meter (PPM) technology, which moved from a separate device into embedded software within broadcast hardware. A similar path could be followed for EAS, allowing stations to install emergency alerting capabilities on existing servers and infrastructure rather than purchasing standalone hardware.
NAB believes this transition could bring multiple benefits:
| Factor | Hardware-Based EAS | Software-Based EAS |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | Expensive, requires dedicated devices | Lower cost, can run on existing systems |
| Scalability | Limited by hardware availability | Easily scalable through cloud or networked software |
| Security | Requires manual updates and patching | Can receive automatic updates for improved security |
| Reliability | Dependent on physical components | Can function across multiple backup systems |
| Supply Chain Risk | Vulnerable to disruptions like Sage’s exit | Independent of hardware vendor shortages |
The FCC’s Role in the Transition
The ball is now in the FCC’s court. While NAB has pushed for a software-based approach for several years, the regulator has yet to finalize a decision. The commission’s cybersecurity review of EAS and Wireless Emergency Alerts remains ongoing, meaning the NAB’s latest petition could prompt quicker action.
For broadcasters, the timing of a transition is crucial. Some stations may soon be forced to make significant investments in replacement hardware, a cost they could avoid if software-based EAS becomes an option sooner rather than later.
The FCC has not yet indicated when it will make a final determination on NAB’s request. However, with one major hardware vendor already out of the picture, the urgency for a modernized, more sustainable emergency alerting system is growing by the day.
