ATSC 3.0 and Preparation Help Disaster Reporting, Broadcaster Tells FCC Podcast

The enhanced emergency information available through ATSC 3.0 will help viewers be better informed in disasters such as California’s wildfires, said News Press Gazette General Manager Mark Danielson for the FCC's podcast. News-Press & Gazette owns KEYT-TV Santa Barbara, an ATSC 3.0 test bed. “That combination of broadcast and the broadband technology together will allow our users to see all of our different live feeds,” Danielson told host Evan Swarztrauber, aide to Commissioner Brendan Carr. ATSC 3.0 will allow emergency alerts to be targeted to specific areas and give first responders and viewers enhanced information during incidents, Danielson said. “During the Thomas Fire we had five, six live feeds up simultaneously,” Danielson said. “Viewers will have access to that if they have a specific need.” For broadcasters covering disasters, Danielson recommended a strong relationship with the surrounding community, a plan for handling emergency breaking news, and keeping staff familiar with back-up methods of gathering live content such as through microwave technology or satellite trucks.