GSS Doubles ALERT FM Network with Addition of K-LOVE and Air1
The Radio Show, Washington D.C. – September 28, 2010 -- Global Security Systems (GSS) has entered into an agreement with K-LOVE and Air1, Educational Media Foundation’s nationwide group of radio stations, to implement ALERT FM in a scheduled rollout that will double the number of locations where the FM-based personal alerting and messaging system is operational to over 450 radio stations across the country.
K-LOVE and Air1 join Commonwealth Broadcasting and The Cromwell Group in support of ALERT FM, which uses Radio Broadcast Data Service (RBDS) FM-subcarrier technology to deliver emergency alert messages to any receiver equipped with an FM radio chip and Alert FM software.
“The ability to save lives in a disaster is a significant part of the public trust that we seek to fulfill at all of our radio stations,” said Sam Wallington, Vice President of Engineering for Educational Media Foundation. “Because ALERT FM ensures real-time concurrent distribution of emergency alerts to all devices equipped with an FM receiver and ALERT FM software, it is far superior to cellular transmission which is not designed for simultaneous multiple-point distribution.”
“By putting ALERT FM into action, K-LOVE and Air1 serve and protect their listeners and secure their station’s relevancy in public service in the local communities where they have radio stations,” noted Robert L. Adams, President and Chief Executive Officer, GSS. “By facilitating the dissemination of emergency text-message alerts over the RBDS pathway to all FM-enabled devices and ALERT FM software, ALERT FM expands the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and allows broadcasters to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of FM-delivered alerts and warnings.”
The ALERT FM technology will be demonstrated at the NAB/GSS Radio-Ready Cell Phone Showcase at the RAB/NAB Radio Show in Washington DC from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 (www.radioshowweb.com) at Booth numbers L17 and 37, and at the FEMA Integrated Public Alert and Warning (IPAWS) Booth, number 28.
For more information, please contact ALERT FM at 866-869-5180 or visit www.alertfm.com.
About Global Security Systems and ALERT FM:
Global Security Systems (GSS) is a systems integrator, service provider, and manufacturer of the ALERT FM and GSSNet satellite delivery system. Global Security Systems has participated in the development of IPAWS-based systems, is a member of the Commercial Mobile Alert Service systems committee, and is actively involved with several EAS and CAP committees. The Global Security Systems nationwide GSSNet satellite delivery system for emergency alerts currently is in operation now at over 450 locations and growing daily. It includes the ability to generate and deliver CAP messages.
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:
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.
K-Love Announcement for Press Kit.pdf (92.55 kb)