03-1842. Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission

December 12, 2002.

SUMMARY:

The Federal Communications Commission, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burden invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection(s), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a current valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) that does not display a valid control number. Comments are requested concerning (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

DATES:

Written comments should be submitted on or before March 31, 2003. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments, but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, you should advise the contact listed below as soon as possible.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all comments to Les Smith, Federal Communications Commission, Room 1-A804, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554, or via the Internet to [e-mail]

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For additional information or copies of the information collection(s) contact Les Smith at [phone] or via the Internet at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

OMB Control Number: 3060-0161.

Title: Section 73.61, AM Directional Antenna Field Strength Measurements.

Form Number: N/A.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Business and other for-profit entities.

Number of Respondents: 1,890.

Estimated Time per Response: 4 hours.

Frequency of Response: Recordkeeping.

Total Annual Burden: 36,020 hours.

Total Annual Costs: None.

Needs and Uses: 47 CFR 73.61 requires each AM station using directional antennas to make field strength measurement as often as necessary to ensure proper directional antenna system operation. Stations not having approved sampling systems make field strength measurements every three months. Stations with approved sampling systems must take field strength measurements as often as necessary. Also, all AM station using directional signals must take partial proofs of performance as often as necessary. The FCC staff used the data in field inspections/investigations; AM licensees with directional antennas use the data to ensure that adequate interference protection is maintained between stations and to ensure proper operation of antennas.

Federal Communications Commission.

Marlene H. Dortch,

Secretary.