It seems like I am the only person who actually kinda likes the new CAP/IPAWS idea. The internet distribution is a two-way street. Say your local yocal sheriff needs to put out an Amber Alert. Does he know how? How much time will it take him? With CAP, any approved emergency management personnel can submit an alert, for their authorized area, via the internet! The EAS units will poll the CAP server and send the alert.
As for the Ku-Band dish suggestion, there are a few companies doing exactly that. GSSNET comes to mind. A state buys the system and GSSNET installs a dish at each studio. They provide CAP servers and software for the state and they propagate the alerts via the Ku-Band dishes.
Keep in mind though, everybody is crapping on the internet distribution, but Ku-Band goes out just as often as the internet (and always during bad storms). There is NO bullet-proof mode of distribution. Internet is actually probably the best option because you can get it through cable, DSL, dial-up, cellular, satellite, etc so it COULD BE very redundant.
Like all things GOVERNMENT, the execution of their plan has been laughable. But, I think this could be a big improvement for the accuracy and functionality of the entire EAS system.