The Broadcasters' Desktop Resource

Greetings from your broadcast friends out on the Desert…
This is BDR Newsletter 892, Volume 18, #7 for September 16, 2026

NO SHOCK HERE: THE AM RADIO IN EVERY VEHICLE ACT PASSES THE HOUSE
Tell the truth. You were not surprise to learn the AM in Every Vehicle Act – HR 979 – passed the House by a voice vote.  With some 318 co-sponsors, it was more of a mechanical process to put the agenda. The Senate now has until October 4th to pass SB 315, and get the Act before President Trump, who has already said he is in favor. The really big question is how the auto industry will react. There are some good and some bad possibilities.

ABOUT THAT FCC EAS ORDER
It seems impossible, but there are a number of stations that do not yet know about the FCC Order, effective on September 29th, that mandates better firewalls, updated software, and, importantly, at least 15 character (with no words) EAS passwords. The BDR alerted all 50 state broadcast associations, noting the articles and information posted including the FREE password generator app – completely free, not even requiring registration for data collection, we just want to help! NASBA, the association of broadcast associations included the information in their recent EAS seminar.

Unfortunately, only 45 states acknowledged the information. Therefore, given the short fuse time, may we please encourage you to help your fellow broadcasters by checking in and mentioning the matter and the free password generator to them.

One more thing: We did two videos, one to explain how to meet the Commission’s requirements, and another to help understand the Comments being made on the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM), which may bring further changes to EAS operations. Do you have something you want the Commission to consider? You can review the 150 or so filed comments in PS Docket 25-224. The deadline for reply comments on the FNPRM is Sept. 29.

THE BEST WAY TO LIGHT A TOWER
A recent NoV from the FCC notes that a tower owner in Texas has had their top beacon, etc not been operating for over a year, despite several contacts from the Field Office. Maintaining the tower lighting systems in accord with Rules is very important. But, as some systems age, stations consider how to best maintain their obligation. Should they change off to LED lighting? How do the costs compare? Mike Slater from Slatercom will be our guest this week. Join us and learn things about tower lighting. If you have questions, Mike is the guy to provide an answer. 

The Virtual Lunch Gathering will be at its usual time 2 PM Eastern/ 11 AM Pacific. We hope you will join us and learn things. The link for our presentation is at www.theBDR.net/TLG/ We will also be on YouTube live and the video will be archived on the BDR Lunch Gathering page.

… and do not forget, on the same page we have hundreds of videos you can use on subjects you will want to learn about.

And, one more thing, we do have a Tuesday Reminder list, if you wish to be reminded of each week’s program. Just reply to this email and ask!