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A New Severe Weather Alert System

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Oklahoma is no stranger to severe weather. And now, thanks to a special grant, Public Radio Tulsa is able to broadcast emergency-messaging capabilites on mobile devices, HD radios, connected car devices, and other digital platforms. 

Public Radio Tulsa is one of 27 stations to participate in the "Tornado Alley" project funded by a Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) grant. The aim of the grant to is to provide essential emergency-messaging and to keep listeners safe. It also provides other capabilities such as non-emergency programming, including specific program details. (Think: The name of the piece they just played on Classical 88.7!)

The $419,000 grant awarded to NPR's Public Radio Satellite System (PRSS) provides the partnering stations across Midwest, South Central and Gulf Coast states with software and training to connect with the PRSS MetaPub delivery system. The metadata technology enables public radio stations to issue text and graphic alerts synchronized with over-the-air broadcast messages to be heard and seen on mobile phones, HD radios, connected car devices, Radio Data System (RDS) displays and  online audio streaming.

CPB and Public Radio Tulsa's goal is to bring efficient emergency communcation to listeners across the state and to provide essential and life-saving information.