Problems Detected During Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test

The first ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System revealed glitches that will have to be fixed before the system can be used by the president during a real emergency.

Every radio and TV station in the country — including KVIA — was required to participate.

The test lasted about 30 seconds and was supposed to include a tone, followed by a message, followed by the tone.

However, the Texas Association of Broadcasters reported after the test that some stations did not receive the audio message from Washington. Viewers in El Paso did not see the test at the same time as expected, either.

The Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Emergency Management Agency launched the test from Washington D.C. and the message was meant to reach all television and radio stations across the country. Satellite and cable companies also participated.

ABC-7’s chief engineer, Elias Ventanilla, has been in charge of the process at KVIA.

“A lot of broadcast companies like KVIA had to upgrade and also install new equipment. This equipment helps not only in this test, but ensuring that a national emergency can be distributed to everybody at the same time.”

The message was similar to the usual local and state emergency test messages.

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