The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is advancing its proposal to shift the Emergency Alert System (EAS) from hardware-based devices to a software model. In a December 13 meeting with the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, NAB, along with New York Public Radio and Cox Media Group, addressed technical concerns and industry feedback. NAB emphasized the benefits of a software-based EAS, including enhanced security, faster repairs, and improved reliability. They highlighted how software could enable geographically diverse failover systems and expedite updates. While Digital Alert Systems suggested a hybrid hardware approach, NAB maintained their preference for eliminating physical devices to avoid supply chain risks, referencing Sage Alerting Systems’ recent production halt. The discussion also covered cybersecurity and operational challenges, with NAB likening the software solution to existing broadcasting tools like Nielsen PPM. The FCC and NAB agreed to continue exploring next steps, including potential product development and testing.