The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Thursday proposed a $146,976 fine against ESPN over its alleged improper use of the Emergency Alert System (EAS).
The FCC accused ESPN of violating its emergency alert system six times starting on October 20, 2023.
The network said ESPN transmitted or caused the transmission of emergency alert system codes “during promotional programming for the start of the 2023-2024 NBA season.”
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The ESPN logo shown on camera during a UFL game. (Wes Hale/UFL/Getty Images)
“At promotional sites, ESPN shall clearly and repeatedly refrain from transmitting, or causing the transmission of, EAS codes, EAS attention signals, or simulations thereof (in conjunction with EAS tones) in the absence of any Commission rules. 11.45(a) in the event of an actual emergency, authorized test of the EAS, or qualified public service announcement,” the FCC said.
The station said it received complaints that ESPN inappropriately used tones and tone simulations during promotions last year.
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The FCC confirms that ESPN “developed, produced, and transmitted the Promoted Spot, and that, per use, ESPN transmitted some of the EAS Attention Signals as part of the Promoted Spot in the absence of an authorized use.” “I recognized that,” he said. Actual emergency testing or authorized testing of EAS. ”
According to the agency, it was used six times between October 20 and 24, 2023.
According to Reuters, the company declined to comment on the matter.
The ESPN logo appears on an electronic display in Times Square, New York City, August 23, 2017. (Reuters/Mike Seeger)
“Sending EAS tones in the absence of an actual emergency is no game,” FCC Director of Enforcement Loyaan A. Egal said in a news release. “Violations of this type can raise serious public safety concerns by causing disruption and, in some cases, preventing legitimate emergency use. “Reflects the FCC's commitment to keeping the line clear regarding the appropriate use of tools to help the public during emergencies.” ”
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ESPN was previously fined for emergency alert system violations in 2015 and 2021.
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