The FCC has unanimously passed new rules to enhance multilingual emergency alerts, focusing on wireless devices rather than radio. Wireless providers in the Emergency Alert system must now offer messages in the 13 most spoken languages in the U.S., including American Sign Language, expanding from just English and Spanish. The order also mandates the inclusion of local maps in alerts and permits two annual localized tests. While some advocate for similar measures in radio, the FCC presently emphasizes updating the wireless alert system. Chair Jessica Rosenworcel suggests the 2008 law governing alerts needs revision, making them mandatory on all carriers and devices.
The Spirit of Local Broadcasting
