[sbe-eas] Question for the group about the new MEP EAS Code

[Rob Dale]

Shout louder... We know from the 2023 national test that people turn off Amber Alerts because of the misuse in timing and message. I would have STRONGLY preferred that the MEP go into the same 'slot' as Amber Alerts, but NCMEC nixed that.

Now people will have to turn off tornado warnings, active shooter, and toxic chemical alerts in order to disable missing person alerts too on their phones.

Rob

> On Aug 17, 2024, at 6:18 PM, Sean Donelan <sean at donelan.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> In most states local governments use (or do not use) alert systems how ever they want, without regard to anything written by the unofficial, volunteer SECCs.  Unlike broadcasters, wireless providers do not pick & choose individual alerts.  Although WEA is 'voluntary,' its all or nothing.
> 
> Based on my monitoring of broadcasters in a few large metro areas, besides Local-Primar (LP) stations, very few of the 18,000 broadcasters carry Amber alerts.  I expect even fewer will interrupt programming for the new MEP codes.
> 
> The number of missing people, as defined by FBI NCIC data, peaked at just under 1 million people per year in 1998.  And has fallen to around
> 600,000 reports per year in 2022. About 99% of the missing reports
> are eventually resolved.  Stranger abductions remain rare, most are a non-custodial parent or runaways.
> 
> The FCC has no data to measure the performance of MEP or to make its decision other than 'vibes' and 'politics.'
> 
> Shouting into the void.
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