The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed a fine of $146,976 against ESPN for improperly using the emergency alert system (EAS) on six occasions from Oct. 20-24, 2023. The FCC accused ESPN of violating rules that prohibit using EAS codes or tones outside of actual emergencies, authorized tests, or qualified public service announcements. The agency received complaints about ESPN using tones or simulations of the tones during a promotional segment for the start of the 2023-2024 NBA season. ESPN admitted to developing, producing, and transmitting the promo spot with the EAS attention signals included without a permitted use.
The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau Chief Loyaan A. Egal emphasized the seriousness of transmitting EAS tones in the absence of a real emergency, stating that it can lead to confusion and interfere with legitimate emergency communications. The fine against ESPN reflects the FCC’s commitment to ensuring proper use of tools broadcasters have to assist the public during emergencies. ESPN did not comment on the issue, but this is not the first time the company has faced fines for EAS violations. In 2015 and 2021, ESPN was also fined for similar violations of the emergency alert system rules.
The FCC’s proposed fine against ESPN is a response to the company’s alleged improper use of the emergency alert system multiple times in October 2023. The violations occurred during a promotional segment for the start of the 2023-2024 NBA season, where ESPN transmitted EAS codes or tones in violation of FCC rules. The agency received complaints about ESPN using the tones or simulations of the tones during this promotion. ESPN confirmed that they developed, produced, and transmitted the promo spot, admitting to using the EAS attention signals without a permitted use on six occasions.
The FCC’s proposed fine against ESPN serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to regulations regarding the use of the emergency alert system. Improper use of EAS tones can create confusion and potentially interfere with legitimate emergency communications, raising public safety concerns. FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Loyaan A. Egal expressed the agency’s commitment to maintaining clear lines when it comes to the proper use of broadcaster tools intended to assist the public during emergencies. ESPN’s history of fines for EAS violations reinforces the seriousness of this issue and highlights the need for broadcasters to uphold regulations to ensure public safety.
ESPN’s alleged violations of the emergency alert system rules during a promotional segment for the NBA season led to the FCC’s proposed fine of $146,976. The agency accused ESPN of improperly using EAS tones or codes on six occasions in October 2023, in violation of FCC regulations. ESPN’s admission that they transmitted the EAS attention signals without a permitted use highlights the seriousness of the violations and the potential impact on public safety. While ESPN declined to comment on the issue, the FCC’s commitment to enforcing regulations and preventing misuse of broadcaster tools during emergencies is evident in the proposed fine.
The FCC’s action against ESPN for alleged improper use of the emergency alert system underscores the importance of adhering to regulations designed to protect public safety during emergencies. The fines imposed on ESPN for violations in 2015 and 2021, as well as the current proposed fine, serve as a reminder to broadcasters about the consequences of failing to comply with EAS rules. The agency’s commitment to enforcing regulations and ensuring the proper use of broadcaster tools reflects its dedication to maintaining clear lines of communication during emergencies. ESPN’s acknowledgment of the violations and the FCC’s proposed fine are part of ongoing efforts to uphold standards and prioritize public safety in broadcasting.
