Oklahoma § 63-683.36 - Definitions – Training and certification program –

§ 63-683.36. Definitions – Training and certification program –

Access to area affected by emergency or disaster.

A. As defined in this section:

1. "Broadcaster" means a radio broadcasting station or

television broadcasting station primarily engaged in, and deriving

income from, the business of facilitating speech via over-the-air

communications, both as to pure speech and commercial speech; and

2. "First informer broadcaster" means a person who has been

certified as a first informer broadcaster pursuant to subsection C

of this section.

B. Broadcasters in this state may, in cooperation with the

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and a statewide

organization that represents radio and television broadcasters,

develop comprehensive, coordinated plans for preparing for and

responding appropriately to an emergency or disaster.

C. A statewide organization that represents radio and

television broadcasters may establish a program for training and

certifying broadcast engineers and technical personnel as first

informer broadcasters. The program established pursuant to this

subsection shall:

1. Be consistent with federal law and guidelines;

2. Provide training and education concerning restoring,

repairing and resupplying any facilities and equipment of a

broadcaster in an area affected by an emergency or disaster; and

3. Provide training and education concerning the personal

safety of a first informer broadcaster in an area affected by an

emergency or disaster.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 63. Public Health and Safety

D. To the extent practicable and consistent with not

endangering public safety or inhibiting recovery efforts, state and

local governmental agencies shall allow a first informer broadcaster

access to an area affected by an emergency or disaster for the

purpose of restoring, repairing, or resupplying any facility or

equipment critical to the ability of a broadcaster to acquire,

produce, and transmit essential emergency or disaster-related public

information programming, including, without limitation, repairing

and maintaining transmitters and generators, and transporting fuel

for generators.

Added by Laws 2014, c. 129, § 2, emerg. eff. April 22, 2014.