The FCC has recently run a test that demonstrates the capabilities of the EAS. (Emergency Alert System)

This may sound like a good idea, but the free citizens of the USA should pause to consider what it means.

The way this system works is to insert equipment directly into the broadcast stream at every broadcaster.  The device is under the control of the FCC (now the DHS as of a new executive order) and can be enabled by “officials”.  The broadcaster is not permitted to disable or interfere with this device.  One can see this as the government temporarily interrupting the broadcast for important messages.  One can also see this as the government setting up machinery that can decide when broadcasters can and cannot broadcast. (see also here)

As with most other measures that surrender autonomy and independence for some broader purpose, this has an upside.  Voluntary measures take time, and if an emergency should arise that requires timely notification to the public, lives could be at stake.

Unfortunately, the downside is also obvious.  Government power seldom exists for loong without being abused.  The power to decide whether a broadcaster broadcasts his own content or that from the government will be a great temptation to officials who could use it to advance their agendas.  This could happen obviously by seizing the broadcast, but could also be done more subtly, by threatening disruption, or even by broadcaster harassment. (sorry, technical problems….)

The core and essence of a free society is voluntary association and cooperation.  Private property is essential, and means nothing if not respected.

It is a sad commentary and of great concern that this effective federal control of all broadcast information services has gotten such little coverage.