Martin Calls Katrina Public TV Stations Resourceful, Courageous

[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin recognized public television stations as among the resourceful and courageous who defied the odds to maintain operations during the Hurricane Katrina and to restore broadcast service quickly thereafter. Just two days after the hurricane struck, stations were back on the air informing storm victims where to find shelter, food, and water; what numbers to call for emergency medical attention; and how to contact missing family and friends. Broadcasters also provided information to rescue workers that proved critical to successful rooftop rescues. He noted that the Commission took quick and decisive action to assist in the preservation and restoration of broadcast service to areas in Katrina's path. Even before the hurricane struck, the FCC's Media Bureau established special procedures to expedite emergency authorizations and assistance, and issued public notices to inform broadcasters in the area how to seek the Commission's help. "Now the Commission's responsibility," Chairman Martin said, "is to examine lessons learned during Katrina, Rita, and Wilma so that we can improve our response in the event of future emergencies. An independent panel we created to review the impact of Hurricane Katrina on communications networks recently held its first meeting and will submit a final report to the Commission by June."
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-263813A1.doc