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Tag: MSRC

  • Barrett to chair US media security and reliability council

    Barrett to chair US media security and reliability council

    MUMBAI: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Michael Powell has announced that David J. Barrett will assume the chairmanship of the newly re-chartered Media Security and Reliability Counci (MSRC). Barrett is the president and CEO of Hearst-Argyle Television.

    Powell was quoted in an official release saying, “The MSRC will continue to bring together industry leaders to develop ways to ensure the continued operation and security of media facilities. I am pleased that David will be bringing his expertise and leadership to this important council, and am confident that MSRC II will continue in the fine tradition set by this Council.”

    The MSRC is a Federal advisory committee that reports to Powell. Powell formed the organisation following 9/11 in order to study, develop and report on best practices designed to assure the optimal reliability, robustness and security of the broadcast and multichannel video programming distribution industries.

    Barrett said, “MSRC has completed just a portion of the important work that needs to be done to better prepare the electronic media for events that will drive us to an even higher level of community service, responsibility and accessibility. As we move forward into the next generation of this important committee, we hope to satisfy the expectation of the FCC, Homeland Security and other agencies and public officials who count on broadcasters to help make America safer and more secure.”

    MSRC is being chartered for a two-year term beginning 24 March. MSRC II will further refine the MSRC best practices recommendations. The council will also coordinate with the FCC staff on an outreach process that will encourage adoption of MSRC’s best practices and foster coordination between media and government at the local level.

  • US media leaders present security guidelines to FCC

    US media leaders present security guidelines to FCC

    WASHINGTON D.C: Leaders from the US broadcast, cable and satellite industries have made a detailed presentation to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It consists of over 50 best practices recommendations detailing prevention and restoration measures to ensure the continued operation and security of media facilities in the face of a national emergency.

    These recommendations were the result of a focussed survey of media facilities across the US.

    The recommendations were presented to members of the Media Security and Reliability Council (MSRC) at its biannual meeting at the FCC. The 41-member Federal Advisory Committee will complete voting on these recommendations by 26 November.

    The Communications Infrastructure Security, Access and Restoration Working Group presented to the Council the best practices recommendations detailing prevention and restoration measures that local media can implement. The best practices included recommendations regarding the physical security, backup power, and redundant facilities for radio stations, local television stations and cable television companies.

    They also included recommendations related to disaster recovery plans of radio and television broadcasters, cable companies, direct broadcast satellite (DBS) and digital satellite radio providers, and other delivery media. FCC Chairman Michael Powell added, “This fourth meeting of the MSRC Council demonstrates the continued commitment of the FCC and the media industry to take the necessary steps to achieve a fundamental priority of this Commission and this country-securing and protecting our homeland.”

    The Public Communications and Safety Working Group reported to the Council on an upcoming workshop they plan to conduct. They are preparing to study Tampa, Florida as a model for implementation of existing MSRC best practices recommendations, and to develop new recommendations based upon local and regional practices in the Tampa Bay area.