03-22098. Proposed Collection Reinstatement; Comment Request

AGENCY:

The Broadcasting Board of Governors.

ACTION:

Proposed collection reinstatement; comment request.

SUMMARY:

The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on an information collection titled, “Interviews and Other Audience Research for Radio and TV Marti.” This request for comment is being made pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

The information collection activity involved with this program is conducted pursuant to the mandate given to the BBG (formerly the United States Information Agency) in accordance with Pub. L. 98-11, the Radio Broadcasting to Cuba Act, dated, October 4, 1983, to provide for the broadcasting of accurate information to the people of Cuba and for other purposes. This act was then amended by Pub. L. 101-246, dated, February 16, 1990, which established the authority for TV Marti.

DATES:

Comments must be submitted on or before October 28, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ms. Jeannette Giovetti, the BBG Clearance Officer, BBG, M/AO, Room 1657A-1, 330 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20237, telephone [phone], e-mail address [e-mail].

Copies: Copies of the Request for Clearance (OMB 83-I), supporting statement, and other documents that will be submitted to OMB for approval may be obtained from the BBG Clearance Officer.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Public reporting burden for this proposed collection of information is estimated to average 30 minutes (.50 of an hour) per response for field survey respondents (700), and 240 minutes (4 hours) for Focus Group Study respondents (48), including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Responses are voluntary and respondents will be required to respond only one time. Comments are requested on the proposed information collection concerning:

(a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility;

(b) The accuracy of the Agency's burden estimates;

(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. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information to Ms. Jeannette Giovetti, the BBG Clearance Officer, BBG, M/AO, Room 1657A-1, 330 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20237, telephone [phone], e-mail address [e-mail].

Current Actions: BBG is requesting reinstatement of this collection for a three-year period and approval for a revision to the burden hours.

Title: Interviews and Other Audience Research for Radio and TV Marti.

Abstract: Data from this information collection are used by BBG's Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB) in fulfillment of its mandate to evaluate effectiveness of Radio and TV Marti operations by estimating the audience size and composition for broadcasts; and assess signal reception, credibility and relevance of programming through this research.

Proposed Frequency of Responses:

No. of Respondents—700 Field Study + 48 Group Study = 748

Recordkeeping Hours—.50 Field Study + 4 Group Study = (350) + (192) =

Total Annual Burden—542

Dated: August 25, 2003.

Carol F. Baker,

Director of Administration.