At its August Open Meeting, the FCC moved forward on reforms to the Emergency Alert System, updates to the Disaster Information Reporting System, and the repeal of nearly 100 broadcast rules. The actions align with Chairman Brendan Carr’s “Build America” agenda, aimed at clearing the way for infrastructure projects while maintaining effective emergency communications.
A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking will reexamine EAS and Wireless Emergency Alerts, focusing on resilience, clarity, and accessibility. Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Chief Zenji Nakazawa said the review will assess whether current systems meet public and originator expectations and explore potential redesigns to leverage modern technology. Commissioner Anna Gomez cited tsunami threats in Hawaii and Alaska to stress the importance of multilingual alerts, urging accountability in reaching all communities. Commissioner Olivia Trusty pointed to recent flooding in Texas, Kentucky, and North Carolina as proof of the need for timely, targeted alerts.
The FCC also adopted changes to modernize DIRS, its disaster impact reporting system, streamlining data collection and improving access for state and federal agencies. The item, previously removed from the meeting agenda due to prior approval, remains central to the Commission’s emergency response strategy.
In a deregulatory move under the “Delete Delete Delete” initiative, the FCC repealed 98 broadcast rules tied to analog-era technology and redundant processes. Carr and Trusty supported the repeal, with Trusty calling it a step toward cutting regulatory red tape. Gomez partially dissented, citing concerns over procedural transparency and the need for broader public input before substantive rule changes. The next FCC Open Meeting is set for September 30.