EMERGENCY-ALERT GRANTS TO EXCLUDE PUBLIC RADIO

An updated emergency-alert system to be rolled out in the United States will exclude funding for it at public radio stations. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which faces closure at the end of next month after its own defunding, has told member stations that applied to its warning-system grant program that there is no money for them.

In an August 18th email, the corporation's CEO Kathy Merritt wrote: [quote] "CPB is deeply disappointed that critical equipment intended to protect the American public in times of emergencies will go unpurchased.[endquote] She said, however, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting had no choice.

The nation's emergency-alert system, which delivers public-safety traffic when severe weather or other threats are imminent, has been under review by the Federal Communications Commission.