[sbe-eas] False EAS Header Codes from a Commercial

[Art Botterell]

OK, that spot's just wrong.  And the Ogilvy folks ought to know better.

- Art


On Sep 8, 2010, at 9/8/10 5:13 PM, Kent Randles wrote:


> I sent an MP3 copy of the spot to Art.  It's 691 kb if anyone else wants it.

> 

> Thanks!

> 

> 

> Kent Randles K7YXZ CBRE

> Senior Engineer

> Entercom Portland LLC

> DID:  503-535-0482

> Cell:  503-544-5289

> krandles at entercom.com

> 

> -----Original Message-----

> From: Art Botterell [mailto:acb at incident.com] 

> Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 2010 3:35 PM

> To: SBE EAS Exchange - a mail list for discussion about the Emergency Alert System and other emergency communication issues.

> Subject: Re: [sbe-eas] False EAS Header Codes from a Commerical

> 

> Violation aside I'd love to hear that spot (not on the air!).  Strikes me as an odd bit of branding...

> 

> - Art

> 

> 

> On Sep 8, 2010, at 9/8/10 3:21 PM, Darryl Parker wrote:

> 

>> Chris Reid Murray in Oregon reported that a commercial has EAS header tones at the start:

>> 

>> "Here is a new one. 

>> 

>> ARCO/BP our beloved oil company is running a commercial that has EAS header tones in front. They use the terms "This is a test" and simulate the 8 second tone. However it seams that the header tones even running faster than 1100 baud but is still tripping EAS units that are monitoring KKNU.

>> 

>> The decoder that was tripping was Florence's  KCST-FM  TFT 911 unit. The header tape read. "ZCZC-EAS-RWT-012057-012081-012101- then blank. 

>> 

>> I called Darryl Parker at TFT and played the commercial to him. His first response was "It is against FCC rules to transmit false and defective signals" It appears that this may be the case. The header tape indicates that the location is in Florida. Hillsboro, Manatee, and Pasco Counties. These are the three counties that surrounds Tamps. 

>> 

>> The commercial has been running frequently and does not trip every time. KCST repots that they have had five events. Their EAS units unlocks and she hears this commercial every time. I listen to the commercial and it seams that they took a weekly test header and increased the speed to perhaps not make it a problem.

>> 

>> It is a problem. I would ask all stations that use TFT decoders if they have seen incomplete data receipts on their EAS units. It would only affect stations that both are being monitored and play this specific commercial. 

>> 

>> There will be more to come. "

>> 

>> This is specifically prohibited by:

>> 

>> "§ 11.45 Prohibition of false or deceptive EAS transmissions.

>> No person may transmit or cause to transmit the EAS codes or Attention Signal, or a recording or simulation thereof, in any circumstance other than in an actual National, State or Local Area emergency or authorized test of the EAS. Broadcast station licensees should also refer to § 73.1217 of this chapter."

>> 

>> Earlier today I received a call from Jeff Gibson at KWCH in Wichita, Kansas, with a report of having received this same message. We thought there was a possible equipment malfunction.

>> 

>> Evidently this problem with now be nationwide.

>> 

>> Regards,

>> 

>> Darryl E. Parker

>> TFT, Inc.

>> 1953 Concourse Drive

>> San Jose, California 95131-1708 USA

>> Tel: (1) 408-943-9323, Extension 223

>> Fax: (1) 408-432-9218/9219

>> DParker at TFTInc.com

>> www.TFTInc.com

>> 

>> 

>> 

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>> 

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