The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has accused ESPN of intentionally violating the Emergency Alert System (EAS) not once or twice, but six times between October 20 and October 24, 2023. did.
The commission is recommending a $146,976 fine for the alleged violation.
“At the promotional site, ESPN clearly intentionally and repeatedly prohibited the Commission from transmitting, or causing the transmission of, unattended EAS codes or EAS attention signals, or simulations thereof (in conjunction with EAS tones).'' 11.45(a) of the Rules was an actual emergency, an authorized test of the EAS, or a qualified public service announcement,” the FCC alleged.
The FCC's action against the cable sports network follows multiple complaints from viewers who reported that ESPN inappropriately used tones or tone simulations during promotions last year.
Additionally, the FCC found that ESPN “developed, produced, and transmitted the Promoted Spot, and for each use, despite the lack of authorized use, ESPN recognized that the Promoted Spot was part of the EAS Attention Signal as part of the Promoted Spot.” He admitted that he sent it.” such as real-world emergencies and EAS authorized testing. ”
ESPN has been fined twice in the past for manipulating EAS, in 2015 and 2021.
“Sending EAS tones in the absence of an actual emergency is no game,” said FCC Commissioner Loyaan A. Egal. “Violations of this nature can raise serious public safety concerns by causing disruption and, in some cases, preventing lawful emergency use. “This reflects the FCC's commitment to keeping the line clear regarding the appropriate use of the tools entrusted to broadcasters.”
