STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL
RE: Review of the Emergency Alert System, EB Docket No. 04-296
I am pleased to support today’s decision to extend the deadline for implementing the new 
Common Alerting Protocol associated with our nation’s forthcoming next-generation Emergency 
Alert System.  Our action today provides the necessary flexibility for handling the pragmatic, 
nuts-and-bolts challenges associated with this substantial undertaking.  
I applaud the broad range of parties – at the Commission and from public safety and industry 
groups – that are closely collaborating on this important project.  I also thank the Chairman for 
his leadership in this area.  By extending the deadline, we are providing a clearer path toward 
smooth and effective compliance.