CBS Faces FCC Fine Over Emergency Alert Tone Simulation -- Update

By Maria Armental

CBS Corp. (CBS) faces a $272,000 fine after an emergency alert tone simulation was aired during an episode of television show "Young Sheldon."

The Federal Communications Commission action against CBS stems from an episode that aired on April 12, 2018, and included a sound effect accompanying a tornado warning, which the producers modified but were still "substantially similar" to the actual emergency alert tones.

FCC rules prohibit broadcasting of EAS tones, including simulations, other than in case of an emergency or during authorized tests or public service announcements.

The rules, the FCC said, seek to avoid confusion in case of an actual public threat or emergency and avoid "alert fatigue" among listeners.

A CBS spokesperson declined to comment.

The FCC's action against CBS follows similar actions against Walt Disney Co.'s (DIS) ABC, AMC Networks Inc. (AMCX), Discovery Inc. (DISCA) and Meruelo Radio Holdings LLC over misuse of the emergency alert tones.

ABC, AMC, Discovery and Meruelo Radio agreed reached a combined settlement agreement of more than $600,000 last month.

Write to Maria Armental at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 09, 2019 14:58 ET (18:58 GMT)

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