"The test was a disaster."
JMP Radio Group and 1470 WMBD Chief Engineer Wayne R. Miller is talking about the first-ever nationwide emergency notification test. Wednesday afternoon's test was on all tv and radio stations. As well as cable, satellite and satellite radio outlets.
What was heard depended on the area and station. But, Miller tells WMBD's Greg and Dan it was not good. "The data bursts that are supposed to link all the stations together worked. But, the audio somewhere very early in the chain got doubled and tripled and quadupled," explains Miller.
"The cable television side was a total disaster. As for satellite systems either DirecTV or Dish Network people were hearing Lady Gaga."
Miller also chairs the Illinois State Emergency Communications Council. In theory, if there was a national emergency, the system would allow the President to speak to the nation quickly and simultaneously.
If he was to grade Wednesday's test, Miller said he would give it a D-.
"We know for a fact the system did not work. We've pretty much proven everything that's been in place for years would have never worked if they ever tried to do it."
