Inside The FCC NPRM TO Modernize EAS
[August 2025] Everyone has to deal with the EAS requirements from the FCC. After almost 30 years, including 13 years since promising a Part 11 rewrite, the Commission appears ready to do something. Ed Czarnecki summarizes the FCC’s plans for the NPRM.
The Federal Communications Commission has launched a rulemaking to modernize the nation’s alert and warning systems, including the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).
The review will examine whether major changes could make alerts more effective, efficient, and responsive to public needs.
The FCC will seek input on alerting goals, who should be authorized to send alerts, and what capabilities – such as resilience, geographic targeting, and security – are essential. The inquiry will also assess whether EAS and WEA are meeting expectations and explore redesigns or targeted updates to improve performance.
Additionally, the agency will evaluate what types of information and delivery methods best ensure timely and clear communication during emergencies. The move marks the most comprehensive reexamination of U.S. alert systems in years.
A FRESH LOOK AT ALERTING OBJECTIVES
The FCC will seek public comment on the overarching goals of an effective national alert and warning framework.
This will include evaluating how well current systems align with those objectives and identifying potential areas for improvement.
EXPANDING PARTICIPATION IN ALERTING
As part of the review, the Commission will examine which organizations and agencies should be authorized to send alerts in order to achieve maximum coverage and impact.
This step will include an analysis of how these needs should be reflected in the design and operation of alerting platforms.
STRENGTHENING SYSTEM CAPABILITIES
The rulemaking will also consider what capabilities a national alerting system must have to function effectively.
Key priorities include ensuring system resilience, enabling precise geographic targeting, and maintaining strong security protections to safeguard public trust.
EVALUATING CURRENT PERFORMANCE
The FCC will assess whether EAS and WEA currently meet the needs and expectations of both the public and alerting authorities.
If gaps are identified, the Commission will explore whether a full redesign or targeted enhancements could unlock their full potential.
ENHANCING INFORMATION DELIVERY
Finally, the review will address the types of information and distribution methods that best convey urgent messages to the public.
This includes looking at content formats, delivery channels, and strategies to ensure alerts are received, understood, and acted upon quickly.
By taking this holistic approach, the FCC aims to ensure that the nation’s alert and warning infrastructure is ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving communications landscape – and prepared to protect the public in times of crisis.
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Ed Czarnecki is the VP – Government and International for Digital Alert Systems. He also is a member of the FCC’s Communications, Security Reliability Council, FEMA’s IPAWS National Advisory Council Subcommittee, and numerous broadcast and cable standards groups.
You can contact him at: ed.czarnecki@digitalalertsystems.com
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