03-5061. Public Information Collection(s) Requirement Submitted to OMB for Emergency Review and Approval

February 21, 2003.

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 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 April 3, 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 contacts listed below as soon as possible.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all comments to Kim A. Johnson, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10236 NEOB, Washington, DC 20503, [phone] or via Internet at [e-mail], and Les Smith, Federal Communications Commission, Room 1-A804, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554 or via Internet to [e-mail].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Commission has requested emergency OMB review of this collection with an approval by February 26, 2003.

OMB Control Number: 3060-XXXX.

Type of Review: New collection.

Title: Digital Audio Broadcasting Systems and Their Impact on the Terrestrial Radio Broadcast Service.

Form Number: N/A.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities.

Number of Respondents: 200.

Estimated Time per Response: 2 hours.

Frequency of Response: One-time reporting requirement.

Total Annual Burden: 400 hours.

Total Annual Cost: None.

Needs and Uses: On October 10, 2002, the FCC adopted a First Report and Order (Order), MM Docket No. 99-325, FCC 02-286, in which the Commission selects in-band, on-channel (IBOC) as the technology that will permit AM and FM radio broadcasters to introduce digital operations efficiently and rapidly. In addition, provisions of the Order require radio station licensees to provide information relative to implementation of interim hybrid digital operations. Implementation of hybrid digital operations is entirely voluntary. Commercial and noncommercial AM and FM radio stations that choose to begin hybrid digital transmissions must notify the FCC within 10 days of the commencement of digital operations. The notification letter shall certify that the digital operations conform to applicable rule and standards. Furthermore, implementation of the notification letter will eliminate both the need for the FCC staff to issue an STA to the broadcaster and for the broadcaster to file and pay the initial and any subsequent filing fees.

Federal Communications Commission.

Marlene H. Dortch,

Secretary.