from Radio Online http://news.radio-online.com/cgi-bin/rol.exe/headline_id=b12321

ALERT FM Gain Support of Broadcast Associations 

The New Jersey and Missouri State Broadcasters Associations have joined Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee in the support of Alert FM, the FM radio-based personal alerting and messaging system from Global Security Systems (GSS). Using existing FM data subcarriers, Alert FM allows local, state and national emergency managers to deliver emergency alert messages to any electronic device with an FM receiver.

"In any emergency, FM radio's single-point to multi-point transmission assures the delivery of critical information to an infinite number of FM-enabled devices simultaneously -- a huge advantage over wireless broadband's point-to-point system which overloads and jams in that scenario," stated President/CEO Paul Rotella of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association. "Expanding the availability of FM on a variety of devices and implementing Alert FM at local radio stations will save more lives."

In a response to more than 60 members of Congress who have advocated the inclusion of FM receivers on mobile phones for Emergency Alert System (EAS) notifications, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski stated that cellular companies must develop a Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) by 2012. Incorporating FM receiver chips could help achieve this goal.

"The activation of the standard FM receiver chip that already resides in the majority of mobile phones in use in the U.S. will save lives right now," stated President/CEO Don Hicks of the Missouri Broadcasters Association. "By putting Alert FM into operation, radio can provide an immediate and highly effective emergency Alerting system that optimizes the existing FM infrastructure to reach targeted or widespread groups of people with life-saving messages."

Alert FM will operate the FM radio-based personal Alerting system as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) during the NAB Show, April 11-15, in Las Vegas. (04-07-10)

from Radio World 4/8/2010 http://www.radioworld.com/article/98116

ALERT FM Will be on Display in FEMA booth 

The developers of Alert FM have gained more support in efforts to expand the use of their RDS-based alerting system.

Global Security Systems says the New Jersey and Missouri State Broadcasters Associations have joined those in three earlier states — Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee — in support of its personal alerting and messaging system, which uses the FM infrastructure.

Its system allows emergency managers to deliver alert messages to electronic devices that have FM receivers. GSS has been active in pushing for electronics manufacturers to expand the availability of FM on mobile and other devices.

The company quotes supportive comments from Paul Rotella, president and CEO of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association, and Don Hicks, who holds the same jobs for the Missouri Broadcasters Association.

Rotella stated that in emergencies, "FM radio's single-point to multi-point transmission assures the delivery of critical information to an infinite number of FM-enabled devices simultaneously — a huge advantage over wireless broadband's point-to-point system which overloads and jams in that scenario."

GSS also reported that in March, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski replied to members of Congress who had written to him about the potential of having FM receivers on mobile phones for EAS purposes. He replied that cellular companies must develop a Commercial Mobile Alert System by 2012. "Incorporating FM receiver chips could help achieve this goal," GSS stated.

GSS also recently added the communications services of Renee Cassis, who is familiar to many in the radio broadcast industry from past work at the Radio Advertising Bureau.

And at the NAB Show in Las Vegas, which opens this weekend, the company plans to operate Alert FM as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's exhibit of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, or IPAWS. FEMA will be in Booth C2052.

ALERT FM Gains Support of New Jersey and Missouri State Broadcast Associations for its FM Radio-Based Personal Alert Messaging System

ALERT FM will Operate its System at the FEMA Booth during NAB

Las Vegas, NV – April 7, 2010 – The New Jersey and Missouri State Broadcasters Associations have joined Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee in the support of ALERT FM, the FM radio-based personal alerting and messaging system from Global Security Systems (GSS).   Using the existing FM data subcarrier known as Radio Data Service (RDS), ALERT FM allows local, state and national Emergency Managers to deliver emergency alert messages to any electronic device with an FM receiver, including those that are wireless or mobile.

“In any emergency, FM radio’s single-point to multi-point transmission assures the delivery of critical information to an infinite number of FM-enabled devices simultaneously -- a huge advantage over wireless broadband’s point-to-point system which overloads and jams in that scenario,” noted Paul Rotella, President and Chief Executive Officer, New Jersey Broadcasters Association.   “Expanding the availability of FM on a variety of devices and implementing ALERT FM at local radio stations will save more lives.”

In a response to more than 60 members of Congress who have advocated the inclusion of FM receivers on mobile phones for Emergency Alert System (EAS) notifications, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski stated that cellular companies must develop a Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) by 2012.  Incorporating FM receiver chips could help achieve this goal.
 
“The activation of the standard FM receiver chip that already resides in the majority of mobile phones in use in the U.S. will save lives right now,” stated Don Hicks, President and Chief Executive Officer, Missouri Broadcasters Association.   “By putting ALERT FM into operation, radio can provide an immediate and highly effective emergency alerting system that optimizes the existing FM infrastructure to reach targeted or widespread groups of people with life-saving messages.”

“We are grateful to Paul and Don for their support of FM radio-based emergency alerts in their respective states of New Jersey and Missouri,” said TJ Lambert, Chief Operating Officer, ALERT FM.  “By advocating the accessibility of FM on an extensive array of devices, including those that are mobile, radio can continue to make a difference in the lives of the people in the markets they serve.”

ALERT FM will operate the FM radio-based personal alerting system as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) during the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show, April 11 to 15 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, in Booth C2052. 

For more information, contact ALERT FM at 601-709-4240 or visit www.alertfm.com.

About ALERT FM:

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), Global Security Systems (GSS), and other radio industry stakeholders continue to pursue multiple avenues for expanding the availability of FM radio service in cellular handsets, including direct discussions with cellular operators regarding market-based steps. NAB also works to educate Capitol Hill, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on the public benefits of deploying FM radio in cell phones, such as expanding the reach of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to mobile devices, and furthering the goals of the WARN Act of 2006, which directed commercial mobile service providers to voluntarily participate in an emergency warning system.

The advent of new technologies (i.e., integrated FM antennas, power-saving and low profile chipsets) has made inclusion of an FM radio in cell phones, MP3 players, emergency alert receivers such as GSS ALERT FM, and other fixed/mobile consumer electronics devices, a technically feasible solution that will benefit consumers.  For alerting purposes in particular, FM radio’s nationwide and redundant coverage provides the ideal vehicle for delivery of the in-depth, critical information needed by the public during times of emergency or disaster which only broadcasters can provide.  The more targeted, data-based alerting services provided by GSS and other providers which make use of Radio Data System (RDS) FM subcarrier technology likewise benefit from the ubiquitous nature of FM radio.

Media Contact:
Renee Cassis
646-808-6505
cassis2@msn.com

NJ-Missouri PR - v.7.doc (28.50 kb)

from Radio Business Report 4/7/2010  http://www.rbr.com/radio/23145.html

New Jersey and Missouri broadcasters embrace Alert FM

The New Jersey and Missouri State Broadcasters Associations have joined Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee in supporting Alert FM. The FM radio-based personal alerting and messaging system will get a pitch next week in Las Vegas when it will be demonstrated at FEMA’s NAB booth.

Alert FM from Global Security Systems (GSS) uses the existing Radio Data Service (RDS) system to allow local, state and national emergency managers to deliver emergency alert messages to any electronic device with an FM receiver, including those that are wireless or mobile.

“In any emergency, FM radio’s single-point to multi-point transmission assures the delivery of critical information to an infinite number of FM-enabled devices simultaneously – a huge advantage over wireless broadband’s point-to-point system which overloads and jams in that scenario,” noted Paul Rotella, President and CEO, New Jersey Broadcasters Association.   “Expanding the availability of FM on a variety of devices and implementing Alert FM at local radio stations will save more lives,” he added.

More than 60 Members of Congress have advocated the inclusion of FM receivers on mobile phones for Emergency Alert System (EAS) notifications. That prompted a recent rash of letters from FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski noting that cellular companies must develop a Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) by 2012. One way to achieve that is Alert FM, although Genachowski noted that the FCC’s standards for CMAS “do not require or prohibit the use of Alert FM.”

“The activation of the standard FM receiver chip that already resides in the majority of mobile phones in use in the U.S. will save lives right now. By putting Alert FM into operation, radio can provide an immediate and highly effective emergency alerting system that optimizes the existing FM infrastructure to reach targeted or widespread groups of people with life-saving messages,” said Don Hicks, President and CEO, Missouri Broadcasters Association.

“We are grateful to Paul and Don for their support of FM radio-based emergency alerts in their respective states of New Jersey and Missouri. By advocating the accessibility of FM on an extensive array of devices, including those that are mobile, radio can continue to make a difference in the lives of the people in the markets they serve,” said Alert FM COO TJ Lambert.

Alert FM will operate the FM radio-based personal alerting system as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) during the NAB Show.

RBR-TVBR observation: While only the text messaging capability of Alert FM would be necessary for the cellular companies to comply with CMAS standards, Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan and other broadcasters have been lobbying the mobile phone companies for years to include a fully functional FM receiver in their handsets. It would be a win-win for broadcasters and the cell companies. The audio service would add value in emergency situations, above and beyond the emergency text messaging. At other times, people would be free to listen to local radio and not tie up bandwidth on the cell system just to listen to music.

As Rotella noted, point-to-multi-point FM delivery would be far more reliable than cellular texting to individual phones. It would also, as Smulyan has pointed out repeatedly, save the wireless phone companies a lot of money over developing and maintaining their own alerting system.

From Radio Magazine Online April 1, 2010 3:14 PM

Commonwealth Broadcasting, Cromwell Group Partner with Alert FM

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized Alert FM and its partners to validate FM radio data chips and RDS messaging for the Integrated Public Alert
and Warning System (IPAWS).

With the announcement came a joint statement from GSS and the National Association of Broadcasters (http://nab.org) noting that the two organizations "continue to pursue multiple
avenues for expanding the availability of FM radio service in cellular handsets, including direct discussions with cellular operators regarding market-based steps. The NAB also
works to educate Capitol Hill, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on the public benefits of deploying FM radio in
cell phones, such as expanding the reach of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to mobile devices, and furthering the goals of the WARN Act of 2006, which directed commercial
mobile service providers to voluntarily participate in an emergency warning system."

Radio.pdf (345.25 kb)

From Radio Ink Magazine 4/2/2010 http://www.radioink.com/Article.asp?id=1755408&spid=24698

COMMONWEALTH, CROMWELL PARTNER WITH ALERT FM

April 2, 2010: Commonwealth Broadcasting and the Cromwell Group have made a partnership agreement with ALERT FM, an FM radio-based alert
and messaging system from Global Security systems. ALERT FM uses an embedded receiver chip for RDS text messages and audio emergency
alerts, and stations can also use the technology for song and stationinformation,advertising, and song tagging.

Commonwealth CEO Steve Newberry said, "The need to deliver critical emergency information to the public on whatever electronic device they
might be using, including those that are wireless, makes ALERT FM a great addition to our radio stations."

Cromwell Group CEO Bud Walters said, "FM-based text alerts can and will save lives. Clearly, the impact of new electronic devices on how Americans
access information dictates that radio must adopt new communication methods to remain relevant and at the forefront of community public
service."

The NAB, in a joint statement with GSS, has expressed its support for expanding the availability of FM radio in electronic devices including
cellphones and MP3 players. The statement reads, in part, "For alerting purposes in particular, FM radio's nationwide and redundant coverage
provides the ideal vehicle for delivery of the in-depth, critical information needed by the public during times of emergency or disaster which only
broadcasters can provide. The more targeted, data-based alerting services provided by GSS and other providers which make use of Radio Data
System FM subcarrier technology likewise benefit from the ubiquitous nature of FM radio."

Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has authorized GSS to validate FM radio datachips and RDS messaging for the Integrated
Public Alert and Warning System.

Radio Ink Magazine (1).pdf (814.77 kb)

Commonwealth Broadcasting and The Cromwell Group
Agree to Partner with ALERT FM

NAB Advocates Expansion of FM Radio for Emergency Alerts

FEMA to Showcase ALERT FM at NAB Show in Las Vegas 

Las Vegas, NV – April 1, 2010 – Commonwealth Broadcasting and The Cromwell Group have agreed to partner with ALERT FM, the FM radio-based alerting and messaging system from Global Security Systems (GSS).  Utilizing Radio Data Service (RDS) text-messaging technology, ALERT FM allows radio stations to remain a critical link in local emergency communications.  The receiver chip with power-saving features and embedded antenna enables delivery of FM radio signals to wireless devices in the form of text alerts as well audio, providing maximum reach at times of local or national crisis. 

“The need to deliver critical emergency information to the public on whatever electronic device they might be using, including those that are wireless, makes ALERT FM a great addition to our radio stations,” noted Steve Newberry, Chief Executive Officer, Commonwealth Broadcasting. 

“FM-based text alerts can and will save lives,” stated Bud Walters, Chief Executive Officer, The Cromwell Group.  “Clearly, the impact of new electronic devices on how Americans access information dictates that radio must adopt new communication methods to remain relevant and at the forefront of community public service.”

“Bud and Steve have shown an inspiring commitment to public service,” said TJ Lambert, Chief Operating Officer, ALERT FM.  “Listeners in markets served by Commonwealth Broadcasting and Cromwell Group stations will benefit from the increased accessibility and communications options that ALERT FM offers.”

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), in a joint statement with GSS, has advocated availability of FM radio in fixed and mobile consumer electronic devices. (Read the entire joint statement from NAB and GSS at the end of this release.)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized ALERT FM and its partners to validate FM radio data chips and RDS messaging for the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). 

FEMA will showcase FM Radio-Based Alerting (ALERT FM) during the NAB Show, April 11 to 15 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, in Booth C2052. 
 
Radio stations can make use of ALERT FM technology to send data such as artist and song title, station tagline or slogan, plus advertiser messages and song-tagging for a potentially lucrative revenue stream.  RDS encoders are supplied to participating stations at no cost.  For more information, contact ALERT FM at 601-709-4240 or visit www.alertfm.com.

NAB and GSS Support Expansion of FM Radio in Cell Phones
Joint Statement

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), Global Security Systems (GSS), and other radio industry stakeholders continue to pursue multiple avenues for expanding the availability of FM radio service in cellular handsets, including direct discussions with cellular operators regarding market-based steps. NAB also works to educate Capitol Hill, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on the public benefits of deploying FM radio in cell phones, such as expanding the reach of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to mobile devices, and furthering the goals of the WARN Act of 2006, which directed commercial mobile service providers to voluntarily participate in an emergency warning system.

The advent of new technologies (i.e., integrated FM antennas, power-saving and low profile chipsets) has made inclusion of an FM radio in cell phones, MP3 players, emergency alert receivers such as GSS ALERT FM, and other fixed/mobile consumer electronics devices, a technically feasible solution that will benefit consumers.  For alerting purposes in particular, FM radio’s nationwide and redundant coverage provides the ideal vehicle for delivery of the in-depth, critical information needed by the public during times of emergency or disaster which only broadcasters can provide.  The more targeted, data-based alerting services provided by GSS and other providers which make use of Radio Data System (RDS) FM subcarrier technology likewise benefit from the ubiquitous nature of FM radio.

Media Contact:
Renee Cassis
646-808-6505
cassis2@msn.com

Commonwelath-Cromwell Press Release.doc (28.00 kb)

From Radio Business Report/Television Business Report 4/1/2010 http://www.rbr.com/radio/22992.html

Commonwealth and Cromwell adapt ALERT FM 

As broadcasters continue to lobby for the inclusion of FM chips in cell phones and other portable devices to enhance emergency communications, two radio groups announced plans o equip their stations with the Alert FM system.

Alert FM, from Global Security Systems (GSS) uses RDS text-messaging technology so that stations can distribute local emergency messages, even when other forms of communication are rendered unusable by natural or man-made disasters. Commonwealth Broadcasting and The Cromwell Group announced that they are partnering with Alert FM to have their stations be able to deliver potentially life-saving emergency information to their communities.

 “The need to deliver critical emergency information to the public on whatever electronic device they might be using, including those that are wireless, makes Alert FM a great addition to our radio stations,” said Commonwealth CEO Steve Newberry, who also happens to be Chairman of the NAB Joint Board. His company’s stations are all in small markets in Kentucky.

“FM-based text alerts can and will save lives. Clearly, the impact of new electronic devices on how Americans access information dictates that radio must adopt new communication methods to remain relevant and at the forefront of community public service,” stated Bud Walters, CEO of The Cromwell Group, which has stations in Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois.

Recently installed Alert FM COO T.J. Lambert, a long-time radio industry veteran, applauded the two group owners for their commitment to public service. “Listeners in markets served by Commonwealth Broadcasting and Cromwell Group stations will benefit from the increased accessibility and communications options that Alert FM offers,” he said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized Alert FM and its partners to validate FM radio data chips and RDS messaging for the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). FEMA will showcase FM Radio-Based Alerting during the NAB Show this month in Las Vegas.

Radio stations can make use of Alert FM technology to send data such as artist and song title, station tagline or slogan, plus advertiser messages and song-tagging for a potentially lucrative revenue stream. RDS encoders are supplied to participating stations at no cost.

RBR-TVBR observation: The IPAWS project by FEMA is a good step forward. What would really help is for the cell companies to step up inclusion of FM receivers/texting in their phones. We all know that cell phone systems and cable television tend to fail in emergency situations when power is knocked out. Mobile DTV is still in its infancy, so the only truly dependable delivery system for information in many emergencies is radio.

RBR 4-1-10 (2).pdf (221.39 kb)

Haywood County Utilizes ALERT FM Technology
First responders, schools, businesses, and citizens to benefit

Brownsville, Tennessee- March 11, 2010-Haywood County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) announced today that they have fully implemented and installed ALERT FM- an FM radio-based emergency notification system-as part of their emergency notification capabilities. The system was paid for using a NWS weather service grant obtained by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.  

This new technology will allow citizens, schools, and businesses to receive severe weather warnings directly from the National Weather Service as well as targeted information such as school closings and evacuation notices directly from Robert Parks, EMA director, and his emergency management team.

“I am very excited about Haywood County using ALERT FM,” Parks said. “With one system, we can supply are citizens with up-to-date NWS severe weather warnings and local critical information.”

To receive NWS weather warnings and other local information, citizens, schools, and businesses must be equipped with an ALERT FM receiver. Receivers are portable, light weight, and easy to program. Receivers are available at The Economy Store or at www.alertfm.com for around $40 with no recurring fees after purchase.   

 ALERT FM is unique compared to other notification systems because it delivers messages using the data subcarrier of local FM radio transmission towers. The use of this pre-existing network of FM towers provides overlapping signal coverage for the area. FM stations currently participating
in the ALERT FM network for the county are WTBG (95.3), WKNP (90.1), WWGM (93.1), and WAUV (893.7). These overlapping stations ensure message distribution over a large “FM footprint” which gives EMA the potential to reach the county’s 19,024 citizens in mere seconds.

Additionally, the EMA system will be fully compatible with the ALERT FM systems implemented in other counties around the Mid-South, Western Tennessee, and across the entire State of Mississippi.  Any ALERT FM receiver is fully functional in these areas provided it is programmed for that local area. 

“ALERT FM provides valuable information to citizens and business of Haywood County no matter if they are at home or work or traveling throughout the surrounding counties,” Jim Lowery, general manager of Global Security Systems, LLC.

For more information visit www.alertfm.com.

###

About ALERT FM
ALERT FM is owned and operated by Global Security Systems, LLC (GSS) of Jackson, Miss. It is a personal alert and messaging system that enables state and local government and private sector officials to create and send emergency information to targeted recipients. Potential information includes severe weather warnings, homeland security notices, hurricane evacuation instructions, utility notices, plant or school closings, employee notifications and traffic alerts. First responders, school officials, citizens, and businesses can receive this information based on geographic or organizational groupings through specially designed ALERT FM receivers or any device equipped with a standard FM chip. ALERT FM has been implemented at the university, state, county and multi-county levels. More than 30 million people in 13 states have access to ALERT FM technology.

haywood AFM announcement press release.pdf (70.91 kb)

article from Radio World- March 10, 2010

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/newbay/rw_20100310/index.php?startid=26#/26