What kind of maintenance must be logged according to FCC regulations?

The requirement to log the times Emergency Alert System (EAS) tests are sent and received is rooted in the necessity of maintaining effective communication and compliance with regulatory standards. The FCC mandates that broadcasting stations must participate in EAS tests to ensure that the system operates effectively during emergencies. By logging the times these tests occur, stations can provide verifiable records that they are fulfilling their role in emergency preparedness, which is essential for public safety. This logging helps authorities confirm that broadcasters are participating in nationwide and local alerts, ensuring that communities receive timely information in critical situations.

While routine checks, electronic repairs, and equipment calibration tests are all crucial for a station's operational integrity, they do not carry the same explicit requirement for logging under FCC regulations as EAS tests do. The focus on EAS logs emphasizes the importance of being prepared for emergencies and the accountability of broadcasters in maintaining operational readiness.