FCC Proposes Fine Against ESPN For Violation Of Emergency Alert Rules

The FCC has proposed a fine of $146,976 against ESPN for six violation of Emergency Alert System rules.

The agency cited an ESPN promo for the start of the 2023-24 NBA season that transmitted emergency signals. Agency rules prohibit such transmissions in an absence of an actual emergency.

Loyaann A. Egal, the FCC’s enforcement bureau chief, said in a statement, “These types of violations can raise substantial public safety concerns by causing confusion and in some cases interfering with legitimate emergency uses.  Today’s proposed fine reflects the FCC’s commitment to keep the lines clear when it comes to the proper use of tools broadcasters are entrusted with to assist the public during an emergency.”

According to the FCC, ESPN acknowledged that it transmitted the promo spot a total of six times during October 20 to 24, 2023, on two ESPN-owned networks. The agency said that ESPN “has a history of noncompliance” with the emergency system rules, noting fines in 2015 and 2021. Those previous violation played a factor in the agency seeking the maximum allowed fines for the latest incident.

ESPN did not immediately respond to a request for comment.