Federal Communications Commission (FCC) could go all the way With the proposed fine against ESPN.
The motion seeks $146,976 in fines against ESPN for violating Emergency Alert System (EAS) rules when the network aired ads promoting the 2023-2024 NBA season. FCC he said tones were used “in the absence of an actual emergency.”
Penalty! ESPN faces proposed FCC fine for using emergency warning tone in promo ad. The use of this tone is out of bounds – it is a public safety hazard to confuse viewers or desensitize them to actual emergency alerts. As a reference for these important systems, we have made a call.
– FCC (@FCC) October 17, 2024
The offending ads contained an unauthorized EAS ringtone and were broadcast six times between October 20 and 24, 2023. On October 20, several complaints were made regarding the television programs. The cable network admitted to using EAS alerts in ads in response to a letter of inquiry.
ESPN will have an opportunity to respond to the proposed fine. The Commission will examine all evidence and legal arguments regarding the alleged illegal use of tone before making a final decision on the matter.
This is the third time the network has abused the emergency tone on air. The FCC imposed a $1.12 million fine in part Confiscation decision in 2015 When ESPN used EAS tones a total of 13 times across the three cable networks. ESPN violated EAS tone usage rules for the second time during a broadcast of one of them 30 for 30 documentaries Roll Tide/War Eagle, leads to $20,000 fine in 2021.
