On October 15, three FEMA representatives will be on hand to help commemorate the launch of “an all-hazards upgrade” to what is considered to be a “Primary Entry Point” facility at the heritage home for News and Talk in New England — iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM 1030 in Boston.
FEMA and iHeartMedia Boston are teaming for the event, scheduled for 11am on that Friday in mid-October. It will be held at the WBZ transmitter and “PEP” site, in Hull, Mass.
According to iHeartMedia, the modernization to the emergency studio increases WBZ Radio’s resiliency to continue broadcasting under all conditions, including natural disasters and acts of terrorism.
The facility is one of 77 across the country that serve as a National Public Warning System Primary Entry Point (PEP) station, participating with FEMA to provide emergency alert and warning information to the public before, during and after incidents and disasters.
This makes WBZ Radio the 13th station in the nation to work with FEMA to complete the all-hazards upgrade, which includes increased sheltering capabilities, expanded broadcast capacity, and sustainable power generation for all types of hazardous events.
A ribbon cutting, official remarks, a Q&A session for local media, a tour of the facility, and a live demonstration at the WBZ PEP station emergency studio are scheduled.
Speakers include Antwane Johnson, Director of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System; FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Nick Russo; IPAWS Program Manager Manny Centeno; iHeartMedia EVP of Engineering & Systems Integration Jeff Littlejohn; and iHeartMedia Boston Market President Alan Chartrand.
Politicians set to appear include Sen. Ed Markey, State Senator Patrick O’Connor, State Representative Joan Meschino, and Hull Board of Selectmen Chairwoman Jennifer Constable.
WBZ on-air host Dan Rea will also be in attendance.