CBS Faces FCC Fine Over Emergency Alert Tone Simulation -- Update
September 09 2019 - 3:13PM
Dow Jones News
By Maria Armental
CBS Corp. (CBS) faces a $272,000 fine after an emergency alert
tone simulation was aired during an episode of television show
"Young Sheldon."
The Federal Communications Commission action against CBS stems
from an episode that aired on April 12, 2018, and included a sound
effect accompanying a tornado warning, which the producers modified
but were still "substantially similar" to the actual emergency
alert tones.
FCC rules prohibit broadcasting of EAS tones, including
simulations, other than in case of an emergency or during
authorized tests or public service announcements.
The rules, the FCC said, seek to avoid confusion in case of an
actual public threat or emergency and avoid "alert fatigue" among
listeners.
A CBS spokesperson declined to comment.
The FCC's action against CBS follows similar actions against
Walt Disney Co.'s (DIS) ABC, AMC Networks Inc. (AMCX), Discovery
Inc. (DISCA) and Meruelo Radio Holdings LLC over misuse of the
emergency alert tones.
ABC, AMC, Discovery and Meruelo Radio agreed reached a combined
settlement agreement of more than $600,000 last month.
Write to Maria Armental at maria.armental@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
September 09, 2019 14:58 ET (18:58 GMT)
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