Kirk Harnack joins us Wednesday August 19, 2026 at 11:30am.  His presentation will go over the FCC-Mandated Cybersecurity for Broadcasters

The FCC has adopted new cybersecurity requirements affecting broadcasters’ EAS equipment, studio-transmitter links, and other remotely managed systems that route, process, or insert content into the program stream. Once effective, the rules will require strong, unique passwords, prompt attention to manufacturer-issued security patches and updates, and firewalls or comparable network safeguards that restrict remote access.

We’ll examine what prompted the FCC’s action, why default passwords and exposed web interfaces are no longer merely “bad practices,” and what station engineers should begin doing now to strengthen security and prepare for compliance. This is not a theoretical discussion—it is about real broadcast facilities, real equipment, and real operational risks. Most importantly, it is about protecting broadcast operations from unauthorized access while preparing to comply with the FCC’s newly adopted rules.

This will be a hybrid meeting.  In person will be located at the Crawford Broadcasting conference room at 2821 S Parker Road in the basement level across from the elevators.

To register for in person please click here.  We will contact you the day before for a lunch order.

To join us over Zoom please click here