In keeping with our long-standing leadership in using new technologies for educational and public service purposes, the nation’s public television stations stand ready to continue our commitment to serving the needs of all Americans through the conversion to digital broadcasting. Public television’s digital spectrum and infrastructure enable stations to deliver critical information wirelessly to personal computers and smart telecommunications devices at public safety agencies, hospitals, schools, homes and offices. This is a historic opportunity to guarantee all Americans immediate access to accurate security information in times of national, state or local crises.

We offer our capabilities to the nation, and call on the Administration, Congress, state and local elected officials, and emergency and law enforcement officials at all levels of government to partner with local public television stations to build a stronger, sustainable national security alert system. American citizens want to be better prepared and informed the next time the unthinkable happens. It is time to work together to ensure that history does not repeat itself. Public television stations are ready to do our part.