Broadcast companies work to prepare communications along Gulf Coast for upcoming hurricane season

| 04.13.2007 | 07:54:489841 |

April 13 '07: Broadcast companies working in the Gulf Coast region will begin to prepare for the upcoming 2007 hurricane season by implementing a new emergency alert messaging platform called ALERT FM a press release announced. The new system will be showcased during the National Association of Broadcasters 2007 Show, in Las Vegas April 14 - 19.

The new messaging platform is in compliance, and was driven by a presidential directive targeting emergency alert system capabilities. The alliance of broadcasters will use the new ALERT FM system "to push lifesaving information to first responders and citizens before, during and after an emergency," the press release said.

At its heart, ALERT FM uses an "FM structure that incorporates Radio Data System (RDS) technology to send digital information using conventional FM radio broadcasts. Targeted alerts and messages are delivered by satellite to FM transmission towers and can be received on any device equipped with an FM chip," the press release continued.

According to its website, ALERT FM can be delivered via GSSNet, a digital network of pre-existing FM transmitters.