On September 1, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), in conjunction with the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations (NASBA), held a webinar to give an overview of the FCC’s new rules regarding broadcast station cybersecurity. Representatives of Digital Alert Systems and Sage Alerting participated.

The new rules include requirements for 15-character passwords, firewalls, network segmentation, and prompt installation of security patches and updates. Determining how to implement the new safeguards may be complex and costly for some stations. They go into effect on September 29, 2026. 

Here is the LINK to the RECORDED WEBINAR for you to watch at your convenience. 

[From SBE National] The FCC released new rules intended to increase security against cyberattacks on broadcast program streams. Broadcasters must comply with the new FCC rules by September 29, 2026. The new rules establish three requirements designed to increase cybersecurity, and will apply to any device in the signal chain that is connected to the internet, which includes EAS, automation systems, processors, STL, RDS encoders, and transmitters:

• specified password hygiene measures;
• prompt testing and installation of security patches and upgrades; and
• limiting remote access via network firewalls or “comparable network segmentation.”

The FCC order states that default passwords for devices must be changed before any use that broadcasts to the public. Passwords used must employ a minimum of 15 characters, must not use dictionary words, and must not be reused for other accounts, equipment, applications, and services that the station uses. Passwords must also be changed whenever a station “has reason to believe that the password has been compromised.”

According to the Washington, DC EAS mailing list, SiriusXM has discontinued its Regular Weekly EAS Test (RWT). The SiriusXM free promotional “barker” channel 01 has been a satellite-based Primary Entry Point (PEP) for remote radio transmission sites that may have difficulty receiving broadcast PEP stations. PEPs relay national emergency messages and NPT tests. According to William Fawcett of Virginia, SiriusXM will continue to broadcast Regular Monthly Tests that should be logged by the same remote radio stations that may have few options for relaying national tests, though only the NPTs are required to be logged. Fawcett says that Satellite Digital Audio Radio Services (SDARS) are specifically exempted from transmitting RWTs. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially announced plans to conduct an auction for FM radio construction permits beginning in February 2027. Designated as Auction 114, the event is designed to expand opportunities for new voices in the media industry and ensure that broadcast spectrum is utilized effectively.

The upcoming auction will offer a total of 132 construction permits in the FM broadcast service. Notably, nearly 100 of these permits have never been offered to the public, marking a significant milestone in radio spectrum availability. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated that the auction is a key component of the agency’s strategy to strengthen competition in the radio marketplace while modernizing outdated regulations.

More details on the FCC website.

Las Vegas, NV
Saturday, April 18

SBE BEITC Session: Unique and Particular Technical Requirements for Live Sports Production; 2 – 3 p.m.; N261

Sunday, April 19

 SBE Booth NL5, Drawing, $200 Amazon gift card; 5 p.m.

Monday, April 20

Using the SBE/NAB Self-Inspection Guides; 3:30-4:30 p.m.; N225. Open to anyone interested in the SBE/NAB Self-Inspection Guides.

SBE Membership Meeting; 5 – 6 p.m.; N256. Sponsored by Blackmagic Design. Membership Meeting prize drawings include the grand prize of two Blackmagic Design Micro Studio Camera 4K 2Gs to two winners. The first 100 attendees will receive an SBE-logoed keychain.

SBE Booth Drawing, sponsored by Blackmagic Design, at the SBE Membership Meeting, N256

SBE Member Reception; 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.; N250. Member Reception prize drawings: American Tower: Three $100 Amazon gift cards; Dielectric: Techie backpacks; Heartland Video Systems: $100 Amazon gift card

Tuesday, April 21

SBE Ennes Workshop (two tracks); 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Rooms N250 and N254

SBE Certification Exam Session; 9 a.m. – noon; N227, advance registration required

SBE Booth Drawing, $200 Amazon gift card; 5 p.m. SBE Booth NL5, sponsored by Broadcasters General Store

Wednesday, April 22

SBE Ennes Workshop (two tracks); 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Rooms N250 and N254

New SBE/NAB Guides and Other News for 2026. 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.; C2450 – TV and Radio HQ on the floor of the Central Hall.