Why This Sound is Illegal to Play

Summary by Krater

This video explains the history and function of CONELRAD and the Emergency Alert System (EAS), detailing why certain radio attention signals were developed and legally mandated for US broadcasters.

From the video

Answers: Why are Emergency Alert System attention signals so unpleasant and why is playing them illegal?

• CONELRAD emergency broadcast system
• Emergency Alert System (EAS)
• Attention signals in radio
• Cold War emergency broadcasting
• FCC broadcast regulations and fines

What it concludes

• CONELRAD was established by President Truman in 1951 to prevent enemy bombers from using radio stations for navigation during emergencies.
• CONELRAD required stations to switch frequencies to 640 or 1240 kHz and alternate transmissions, making it harder for bombers to pinpoint sources.
• CONELRAD was replaced in the 1960s by the Emergency Broadcast System and later the Emergency Alert System.
• The EAS attention signal uses two simultaneous tones at 853 hertz and 960 hertz specifically chosen for their unpleasantness to get attention.
• Broadcasters can face massive fines from the FCC for playing EAS tones outside of actual emergencies.
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