User submitted photoThe FOX 5 Newsroom received multiple calls from concerned AT&T U-Verse customers Friday after an emergency message appeared on their screens.
The message, claiming to be an emergency alert issued by The White House, notified viewers that their programming was being re-directed to another channel. The alert is part of the EAN or Emergency Alert Notification. Engineers with FOX 5 say the alert can only be activated by the President in times of emergency.
U-Verse engineers tell FOX 5 staff the message appeared on screens around Atlanta, Dallas, Michigan and Austin, Texas.
Callers from across the FOX 5 viewing area reported the message.
There are no known actual emergency alerts that would have prompted activation of the government's Emergency Alert Notification System, which is used by broadcasters and the government to warn of emergency situations.
Statement from AT&T: "
Earlier today U-verse TV customers may have received an Emergency Alert notification. We have confirmed that there is no emergency at this time and we are investigating why this occurred. We apologize for any inconvenience."
Editors note: Updated 'Detroit; to 'Dallas' from previous version.
