The Association of Public Television Stations and DHS Partner to Launch National Capital Region Pilot Project for a Digitally-Based Alert and Warning System

Pilot Project Will Use Public Television’s Digital Infrastructure to Enhance the Delivery System For Presidential Alert And Warnings

WASHINGTON, October 21, 2004—The Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) and the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today the launch of the Digital Emergency Alert System (DEAS) pilot in the National Capital Region. This six-month pilot will demonstrate how Homeland Security can improve public alert and warning during times of national crisis through the use of local public television’s digital television broadcasts.

Lawson said: “The pilot will demonstrate how the capabilities of America’s public broadcasters can be utilized to dramatically enhance the ability of the President of the United States to communicate with the American public during a national crisis.” The pilot program is a joint venture among FEMA, Homeland Security’s Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection directorate, and the Association of Public Television Stations. Other core participants in the pilot include PBS and WETA, of Arlington, Virginia. SpectraRep, a professional services firm, will offer technology and management consulting services for the project.

Lawson explained: “The basic technology infrastructure already exists at the 291 digital public television stations across the country. Each digital television station can act as the nexus of a wireless network capable of broadcasting data – or ‘datacasting,’ information in its digital television signal beyond the pictures and sound needed for a traditional television program. Information datacast by a public television station can be received in homes, schools and workplaces by a TV tuner card plugged into a computer, a set-top box attached to a television, or a new digital television set, to capture the digital signal. The datacast receiver separates the data bits from the television programming stream, allowing this data to be manipulated and saved to any software program.”

Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Homeland Security Emergency Preparedness and Response said, “This technology will substantially improve Homeland Security’s ability to provide alert and warning accessibility to the hearing and sight impaired, targeted warning messages, and improved public reception by increasing the types of devices that can receive critical alert and all hazards warnings.”

Lawson said: “Digital television is really a very powerful and robust wireless data deliver system. It’s not a silver bullet for public warning, but it brings unique capabilities to the task. It avoids communication bottlenecks such as the ones we experience here and in New York on 9/11. The pilot will explore how to interface this data with phone, cellular, cable, and other networks to reach the largest possible number of citizens in an emergency.” Cingular Wireless and T-Mobile have also agreed to actively participate in the pilot project. Other wireless and cellular phone companies, cable television operators and other network providers will be encouraged to participate as well.

Reynold N. Hoover, Director of the Office of National Security Coordination said, “With today’s signing, we begin the process of testing and developing the ability to provide a digital backbone that can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Emergency Alert System.” FEMA’s Office of National Security Coordination serves as the federal government’s executive agent for the national-level Emergency Alert System (EAS).

Lawson concluded: “Public television is dedicated to public service. Our stations and the communities that support them, as well as state legislatures, foundations, and the federal government, have raised over $1 billion for digital conversion. Our stations are using the powerful technology of DTV to bring new services to those they serve, including HDTV, new standard definition channels, and rich media content delivered directly to PC’s with inexpensive receiver cards. Today, we take a major step forward in using this same digital infrastructure to enhance public safety.”

About DHS-FEMA

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

About APTS

The Association of Public Television Stations is a nonprofit membership organization established in 1980 to support the continued growth and development of a strong and financially sound noncommercial television service for the American public. APTS provides advocacy for public television interests at the national level, as well as consistent leadership and information in marshaling support for its members: the nation’s public television stations.

Contact, Kristin Wilson 202-654-4222

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