02-28708. Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission

November 1, 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, Public Law 104-13. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently 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 December 12, 2002. 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 Judith Boley Herman, Federal Communications Commission, Room 1-C804, 445 12th Street, SW., DC 20554 or via the Internet to [e-mail].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For additional information or copies of the information collection(s), contact Judith Boley Herman at 202-418-0214 or via the Internet at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

OMB Control No.: 3060-0207.

Title: Part 11—Emergency Alert System.

Form Nos.: N/A.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit, not-for-profit institutions, state, local or tribal government.

Number of Respondents: 22,000 respondents; 1,144,000 responses.

Estimated Time Per Response: .017 hours—40 hours.

Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement, and recordkeeping requirement.

Total Annual Burden: 38,585 hours.

Total Annual Cost: $8,250,000.

Needs and Uses: Part 11 contains the rules and regulations providing for an Emergency Alert System (EAS). The EAS provides the President with the capability to provide immediate communications and information to the general public at the national, state and local area level during periods of national emergency. The EAS also provides state and local government and the National Weather Service with the capability to provide immediate communications and information to the general public concerning emergency situations posing a threat to life and property. On February 22, 2002, the Commission adopted a Report and Order in EB Docket No. 01-66 (67 FR 18502). This Report and Order amended Part 11 rules to revise the technical and operational requirements for the EAS. Many of these amendments were intended to enhance the capabilities and performance of the EAS during state and local emergencies, which will promote public safety. The Report and Order amended the EAS to make compliance with the EAS requirements less burdensome for broadcast stations, cable systems and wireless cable systems. The Report and Order also eliminated rules which were obsolete or no longer needed. The information is used by FCC staff as part of routine inspections of broadcast stations. Accurate recordkeeping of this data is vital in determining the location and nature of possible equipment failure on the part of the transmitting or receiving entity. Furthermore, since the national level EAS is solely for the President's use, its proper operation must be assured.

Federal Communications Commission.

Marlene H. Dortch,

Secretary.