2024-03956. Establishing Rules for Full Power Television and Class A Television Stations

AGENCY:

Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION:

Final rule; announcement of effective date.

SUMMARY:

In this document, the Commission announces that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements under OMB Control Numbers 3060–1121, 3060–1320, 3060–0009, 3060–0386, 3060–0175, 3060–0178, 3060–0182, 3060–0190, 3060–0320, 3060–0113, and 3060–1321 associated with the rules adopted in the Report and Order, FCC 23–72, adopting several rule updates for full power and Class A television stations that no longer have any practical effect given the completion of the transition from analog to digital-only operations and the post incentive auction transition to a smaller television band with fewer channels. This document is consistent with the Report and Order, which states that the Media Bureau will publish a document in the Federal Register announcing the effective date for these revised rule sections and revising the rules accordingly.

DATES:

The amendments to 47 CFR 73.619; 73.625; 73.1250; 73.1350; 73.1560; 73.1615; 73.1620; 73.1635; 73.1675; 73.1690; 73.1740; 73.1750; 73.2080; 73.3540; 73.3544; 73.3549; 73.3550; 73.3598; 73.5006; 73.6024; 73.6025, published at 89 FR 7224 on February 1, 2024, are effective March 4, 2024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Cathy Williams, Office of the Managing Director, Federal Communications Commission, at (202) 418–2918 or [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

This document announces that OMB approved the information collection requirements in 47 CFR 73.619; 73.625; 73.1250; 73.1350; 73.1560; 73.1615; 73.1620; 73.1635; 73.1675; 73.1690; 73.1740; 73.1750; 73.2080; 73.3540; 73.3544; 73.3549; 73.3550; 73.3598; 73.5006; 73.6024; 73.6025 on February 2, 2024, and February 14, 2024, respectively. These rule sections were adopted in the Report and Order, FCC 23–72, published at 89 FR 7224 on February 1, 2024. The Commission publishes this document as an announcement of the immediate effective date for these revised rules.

Synopsis

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507), the Commission is notifying the public that it received final OMB approvals on February 2, 2024 and February 14, 2024, respectively, for the information collection requirements contained in 47 CFR 73.619; 73.625; 73.1250; 73.1350; 73.1560; 73.1615; 73.1620; 73.1635; 73.1675; 73.1690; 73.1740; 73.1750; 73.2080; 73.3540; 73.3544; 73.3549; 73.3550; 73.3598; 73.5006; 73.6024; 73.6025. Under 5 CFR part 1320, an agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a current, valid OMB 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 that does not display a current, valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Numbers for the information collection requirements in 47 CFR 73.619; 73.625; 73.1250; 73.1350; 73.1560; 73.1615; 73.1620; 73.1635; 73.1675; 73.1690; 73.1740; 73.1750; 73.2080; 73.3540; 73.3544; 73.3549; 73.3550; 73.3598; 73.5006; 73.6024; 73.6025 are 3060–1121, 3060–1320, 3060–0009, 3060–0386, 3060–0175, 3060–0178, 3060–0182, 3060–0190, 3060–0320, 3060–0113, and 3060–1321.

The foregoing notice is required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13, October 1, 1995, and 44 U.S.C. 3507.

The total annual reporting burdens and costs for the respondents are as follows:

OMB Control Number: 3060–1320.

OMB Approval Date: February 2, 2024.

OMB Expiration Date: February 28, 2027.

Title: Section 73.1750, Discontinuance of operation; Section 73.3549, Request for extension of time to operate without required monitors, indicating instruments, and EAS encoders and decoders; § 73.3550, Requests for new or modified call sign assignments.

Form Number: N/A.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities; not for-profit institutions.

Estimated Number of Respondents and Responses: 300 respondents and 300 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: 0.50 hours.

Frequency of Response: Recordkeeping requirement; on occasion reporting requirement.

Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The statutory authority for this information collection is contained in Sections 154(i) and 325(a) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 150 hours.

Total Annual Cost: No cost.

Needs and Uses: The Commission adopted on September 18, 2023, the Report and Order ( R&O), Amendment of Part 73 of the Commission's Rules to Update Television and Class A Television Broadcast Station Rules, and Rules Applicable to All Broadcast Stations, MB Docket No. 22–227, FCC 23–72, published at 89 FR 7224 on February 1, 2024. The R&O adopted a number of revisions to the Commission's rules to reorganize and clarify the Commission's technical licensing, operating, and interference rules for full power and Class A television.

47 CFR 73.1750 requires that the licensee of each station provide a notification to the FCC in a Cancellation Application via the Commission's Licensing and Management System (LMS) of the permanent discontinuance of operation at least two days before operation is discontinued. Immediately after discontinuance of operation, the licensee must forward the station license and other instruments of authorization to the FCC, Attention: Audio Division (radio) or Video Division (television), Media Bureau, for cancellation.

47 CFR 73.3549 requires that requests for extension of authority to operate without required monitors, transmission system indicating instruments, or encoders and decoders for monitoring and generating the EAS codes and Attention Signal should be made to the FCC by electronically filing via LMS. Such requests must contain information as to when and what steps were taken to repair or replace the defective equipment and a brief description of the alternative procedures being used while the equipment is out of service.

47 CFR 73.3550(a) requires that all requests for new or modified call sign assignments for radio and television broadcast stations be made via LMS with the FCC. Paragraph 47 CFR 73.3550(j) provides that a change in call sign assignment will be made effective on the date specified in the Call Sign Request Authorization generated by LMS acknowledging the assignment of the requested new call sign and authorizing the change.

OMB Control Number: 3060–1321.

OMB Approval Date: February 2, 2024.

OMB Expiration Date: February 28, 2027.

Title: Section 73.619, Contours and service areas; Section 73.625, TV antenna system; Section 73.5006, Filing of petitions to deny against long-form applications; Section 73.6024, Transmission standards and system requirements; Section 73.6025, Antenna system and station location.

Form Number: N/A.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities; not for-profit institutions.

Estimated Number of Respondents and Responses: 100 respondents and 100 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: 0.50 hours.

Frequency of Response: Recordkeeping requirement; on occasion reporting requirement.

Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The statutory authority for this information collection is contained in Sections 154(i) and 325(a) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 50 hours.

Total Annual Cost: None.

Needs and Uses: The Commission adopted on September 18, 2023, the Report and Order ( R&O), Amendment of Part 73 of the Commission's Rules to Update Television and Class A Television Broadcast Station Rules, and Rules Applicable to All Broadcast Stations, MB Docket No. 22–227, FCC 23–72, published at 89 FR 7224 on February 1, 2024. The R&O adopted a number of revisions to the Commission's rules to reorganize and clarify the Commission's technical licensing, operating, and interference rules for full power and Class A television.

47 CFR 73.619(b)(5) requires that in determining coverage, the elevation or contour intervals must be taken from a high quality bald earth map or dataset such as the United States Geological Survey Topographic Quadrangle Maps or the National Elevation Dataset. We include these updates for informational purposes, but these changes do not impact an existing information collection or create a new collection.

47 CFR 73.625(c)(3)(v) requires that all azimuth plane patterns be plotted in a PDF attachment to an application in a size sufficient to be easily viewed; paragraph (vii) requires that if an elevation pattern is submitted in the application form, similar tabulations and PDF attachments must be provided for the elevation pattern; and paragraph (viii) requires that if a matrix pattern is submitted in the application form, similar tabulations must be provided as necessary in the form of a spreadsheet to accurately represent the pattern.

Similarly, 47 CFR 73.6025 requires that applications for modified Class A TV facilities proposing the use of directional antennas include the documentation in § 73.625(c)(3).

47 CFR 73.5006 requires that within ten days following the issuance of a public notice announcing that a long-form application for an AM, FM, or television construction permit has been accepted for filing, petitions to deny that application may be filed in the Commission's Licensing and Management (LMS) database. We include these updates for informational purposes, but these changes do not impact an existing information collection or create a new collection.

47 CFR 73.6024 requires that a Class A station within 275 kilometers of the U.S.-Mexico border must specify the full service emission mask in an application on FCC Form 2100. We include these updates for informational purposes, but these changes do not impact an existing information collection or create a new collection.

OMB Control Number: 3060–1121.

OMB Approval Date: February 2, 2024.

OMB Expiration Date: February 28, 2027.

Title: Sections 1.30002, 1.30003, 1.30004, 73.875, 73.1657 and 73.1690, Disturbance of AM Broadcast Station Antenna Patterns.

Form Number: N/A.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities; not for-profit institutions.

Estimated Number of Respondents and Responses: 1,195 respondents and 1,195 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: 1–2 hours.

Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement and third-party disclosure requirement.

Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. Statutory authority for this information collection is contained in Section 154(i) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 1,960 hours.

Total Annual Cost: $1,078,200.

Needs and Uses: The Commission adopted on September 18, 2023, the Report and Order ( R&O), Amendment of Part 73 of the Commission's Rules to Update Television and Class A Television Broadcast Station Rules, and Rules Applicable to All Broadcast Stations, MB Docket No. 22–227, FCC 23–72, published at 89 FR 7224 on February 1, 2024. The R&O adopted a number of revisions to the Commission's rules to reorganize and clarify the Commission's technical licensing, operating, and interference rules for full power and Class A television, including revisions to 47 CFR 73.1675 and 73.1690. The revisions to this information collection are only with respect to 47 CFR 73.1675 and 47 CFR 73.1690, and are made for informational purposes only, and do not create new or modify existing burdens.

47 CFR 73.1675(c)(1) continues to state that where an FM, TV, or Class A TV licensee or permittee proposes to mount an auxiliary facility on an AM tower, it must also demonstrate compliance with § 1.30003 in the license application. The R&O revises paragraph (b) to note that the application for a construction permit is now made electronically via the Commission's Licensing and Management System using Form 2100, but this change does not modify any existing paperwork burdens or establish any new ones.

47 CFR 73.1690(c) continues to require FM, TV, or Class A TV station applicants to submit an exhibit demonstrating compliance with § 1.30003 or § 1.30002, as applicable, with a modification of license application, except for applications solely filed pursuant to paragraphs (c)(6) or (c)(9) of this section, where the installation is located on or near an AM tower, as defined in § 1.30002. The R&O revises paragraph (b) to indicate that certain changes can be made on FCC Form 2100, but this change does not modify any existing paperwork burdens or establish new ones, and similarly, paragraph (c)(3) is revised to note that the modification of license application is now made on Form 2100, but this change does not modify any existing paperwork burdens or establish any new ones.

Other information collection requirements that are covered under this collection that have not changed since last approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) are as follows:

On August 14, 2013, the Commission adopted the Third Report and Order and Second Order on Reconsideration in the matter of An Inquiry Into the Commission's Policies and Rules Regarding AM Radio Service Directional Antenna Performance Verification, MM Docket No. 93–177, FCC 13–115, published at 78 FR 66288 on November 5, 2013. In the Third Report and Order in this proceeding, the Commission harmonized and streamlined the Commission's rules regarding tower construction near AM stations. In AM radio, the tower itself functions as the antenna. Consequently, a nearby tower may become an unintended part of the AM antenna system, reradiating the AM signal and distorting the authorized AM radiation pattern. Our old rules contained several sections concerning tower construction near AM antennas that were intended to protect AM stations from the effects of such tower construction, specifically, §§ 73.1692, 22.371, and 27.63. These old rule sections imposed differing requirements on the broadcast and wireless entities, although the issue is the same regardless of the types of antennas mounted on a tower. Other rule parts, such as part 90 and part 24, entirely lacked provisions for protecting AM stations from possible effects of nearby tower construction. In the Third Report and Order the Commission adopted a uniform set of rules applicable to all services, thus establishing a single protection scheme regarding tower construction near AM tower arrays. The Third Report and Order also designates “moment method” computer modeling as the principal means of determining whether a nearby tower affects an AM radiation pattern. This serves to replace time-consuming direct measurement procedures with a more efficient computer modeling methodology that is reflective of current industry practice.

47 CFR 1.30002(a) requires a proponent of construction or modification of a tower within a specified distance of a nondirectional AM station, and also exceeding a specified height, to notify the AM station at least 30 days in advance of the commencement of construction. If the tower construction or modification would distort the AM pattern, the proponent shall be responsible for the installation and maintenance of detuning equipment.

47 CFR 1.30002(b) requires a proponent of construction or modification of a tower within a specified distance of a directional AM station, and also exceeding a specified height, to notify the AM station at least 30 days in advance of the commencement of construction. If the tower construction or modification would distort the AM pattern, the proponent shall be responsible for the installation and maintenance of detuning equipment.

47 CFR 1.30002(c) states that proponents of tower construction or alteration near an AM station shall use moment method modeling, described in § 73.151(c), to determine the effect of the construction or alteration on an AM radiation pattern.

47 CFR 1.30002(f) states that, with respect to an AM station that was authorized pursuant to a directional proof of performance based on field strength measurements, the proponent of the tower construction or modification may, in lieu of the study described in § 1.30002 (c), demonstrate through measurements taken before and after construction that field strength values at the monitoring points do not exceed the licensed values. In the event that the pre-construction monitoring point values exceed the licensed values, the proponent may demonstrate that post-construction monitoring point values do not exceed the pre-construction values. Alternatively, the AM station may file for authority to increase the relevant monitoring point value after performing a partial proof of performance in accordance with § 73.154 to establish that the licensed radiation limit on the applicable radial is not exceeded.

47 CFR 1.30002(g) states that tower construction or modification that falls outside the criteria described in paragraphs § 1.30002(a) and (b) is presumed to have no significant effect on an AM station. In some instances, however, an AM station may be affected by tower construction notwithstanding the criteria set forth in paragraphs § 1.30002(a) and (b). In such cases, an AM station may submit a showing that its operation has been affected by tower construction or alteration. Such showing shall consist of either a moment method analysis or field strength measurements. The showing shall be provided to (i) the tower proponent if the showing relates to a tower that has not yet been constructed or modified and otherwise to the current tower owner, and (ii) to the Commission, within two years after the date of completion of the tower construction or modification. If necessary, the Commission shall direct the tower proponent to install and maintain any detuning apparatus necessary to restore proper operation of the AM antenna.

47 CFR 1.30002(h) states that an AM station may submit a showing that its operation has been affected by tower construction or modification commenced or completed prior to or on the effective date of the rules adopted in this Part pursuant to MM Docket No. 93–177. Such a showing shall consist of either a moment method analysis or of field strength measurements. The showing shall be provided to the current owner and the Commission within one year of the effective date of the rules adopted in this Part. If necessary, the Commission shall direct the tower owner, if the tower owner holds a Commission authorization, to install and maintain any detuning apparatus necessary to restore proper operation of the AM antenna.

47 CFR 1.30002(i) states that a Commission applicant may not propose, and a Commission licensee or permittee may not locate, an antenna on any tower or support structure, whether constructed before or after the effective date of these rules, that is causing a disturbance to the radiation pattern of the AM station, as defined in paragraphs § 1.30002(a) and (b), unless the applicant, licensee, or tower owner completes the new study and notification process and takes appropriate ameliorative action to correct any disturbance, such as detuning the tower, either prior to construction or at any other time prior to the proposal or antenna location.

47 CFR 1.30003(a) states that when antennas are installed on a nondirectional AM tower the AM station shall determine operating power by the indirect method (see § 73.51). Upon the completion of the installation, antenna impedance measurements on the AM antenna shall be made. If the resistance of the AM antenna changes, an application on FCC Form 302–AM (including a tower sketch of the installation) shall be filed with the Commission for the AM station to return to direct power measurement. The Form 302–AM shall be filed before or simultaneously with any license application associated with the installation.

47 CFR 1.30003(b) requires that, before antennas are installed on a tower in a directional AM array, the proponent shall notify the AM station so that, if necessary, the AM station may determine operating power by the indirect method (see § 73.51) and request special temporary authority pursuant to § 73.1635 to operate with parameters at variance. For AM stations licensed via field strength measurements (see § 73.151(a)), a partial proof of performance (as defined by § 73.154) shall be conducted both before and after construction to establish that the AM array will not be and has not been adversely affected. For AM stations licensed via a moment method proof (see § 73.151(c)), the proof procedures set forth in § 73.151(c) shall be repeated. The results of either the partial proof of performance or the moment method proof shall be filed with the Commission on Form 302–AM before or simultaneously with any license application associated with the installation.

47 CFR 1.30004(a) requires proponents of proposed tower construction or modification to an existing tower near an AM station that are subject to the notification requirement in §§ 1.30002–1.30003 to provide notice of the proposed tower construction or modification to the AM station at least 30 days prior to commencement of the planned tower construction or modification. Notification to an AM station and any responses may be oral or written. If such notification and/or response is oral, the party providing such notification or response must supply written documentation of the communication and written documentation of the date of communication upon request of the other party to the communication or the Commission. Notification must include the relevant technical details of the proposed tower construction or modification, and, at a minimum, also include the following: proponent's name and address; coordinates of the tower to be constructed or modified; physical description of the planned structure; and results of the analysis showing the predicted effect on the AM pattern, if performed.

47 CFR 1.30004(b) requires that a response to a notification indicating a potential disturbance of the AM radiation pattern must specify the technical details and must be provided to the proponent within 30 days.

47 CFR 1.30004(d) states that if an expedited notification period (less than 30 days) is requested by the proponent, the notification shall be identified as “expedited,” and the requested response date shall be clearly indicated.

47 CFR 1.30004(e) states that in the event of an emergency situation, if the proponent erects a temporary new tower or makes a temporary significant modification to an existing tower without prior notice, the proponent must provide written notice to potentially affected AM stations within five days of the construction or modification of the tower and cooperate with such AM stations to remedy any pattern distortions that arise as a consequence of such construction.

47 CFR 73.875(c) requires an LPFM applicant to submit an exhibit demonstrating compliance with § 1.30003 or § 1.30002, as applicable, with any modification of license application filed solely pursuant to paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section, where the installation is on or near an AM tower, as defined in § 1.30002.

OMB Control Number: 3060–0386.

OMB Approval Date: February 2, 2024.

OMB Expiration Date: February 28, 2027.

Title: Special Temporary Authorization (STA) Requests; Notifications; and Informal Filings; Sections 1.5, 73.1615, 73.1635, 73.1740 and 73.3598; CDBS Informal Forms; § 74.788; Low Power Television, TV Translator and Class A Television Digital Transition Notifications; Section 73.3700(b)(5), Post Auction Licensing; § 73.3700(f).

Form Number: N/A.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities; Not for profit institutions; State, local or Tribal government.

Estimated Number of Respondents and Responses: 5,537 respondents and 5,537 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: 0.50–4.0 hours.

Frequency of Response: One-time reporting requirement and on occasion reporting requirement.

Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The statutory authority for this collection is contained in 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 157 and 309(j) as amended; Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, Public Law 112–96, 6402 (codified at 47 U.S.C. 309(j)(8)(G)), 6403 (codified at 47 U.S.C. 1452), 126 Stat. 156 (2012) (Spectrum Act); and Sections 1, 4(i) and (j), 7, 301, 302, 303, 307, 308, 309, 312, 316, 318, 319, 324, 325, 336, and 337 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 4,353 hours.

Total Annual Cost: $1,834,210.

Needs and Uses: The Commission adopted on September 18, 2023, the Report and Order ( R&O), Amendment of Part 73 of the Commission's Rules to Update Television and Class A Television Broadcast Station Rules, and Rules Applicable to All Broadcast Stations, MB Docket No. 22–227, FCC 23–72. The R&O adopted a number of revisions to the Commission's rules to reorganize and clarify the Commission's technical licensing, operating, and interference rules for full power and Class A television. The Commission revised 47 CFR 73.1635 such that Broadcast stations (AM, FM, TV, Class A TV or LPTV licensees or permittees) may file a request for STA electronically in the Commission's Licensing and Management System (LMS) for approval to permit a station to operate a broadcast facility for a limited period at a specified variance from the terms of the station's authorization or requirements of the FCC rules. Stations may file a request for STA approval for a variety of reasons. The request must describe the operating modes and facilities to be used. Types of STA requests include Engineering and Legal STAs.

The Commission also revised 47 CFR 73.1740 such that Broadcast stations (AM, FM, TV or Class A TV licensees) may file this form in the Commission's LMS to notify the Commission of the station's suspension of broadcast operations. Broadcast stations may also use this form to request a silent STA or extension thereof. Types of Silent Notifications include Notification of Suspension and Resumption of Operations. Pursuant to Section 73.1740, broadcast station licensees must notify the Commission when events beyond their control make it impossible to continue operation or to adhere to the required operating schedules set forth in this rule. In addition, they must notify the Commission when they resume normal operations. (No further authority is needed for limited operation or discontinued operation for a period not exceeding 30 days.) Should events beyond the licensees control make it impossible for compliance within the required 30-day time period, broadcast station licensees must file an informal letter request for silent operations (“Silent STA,” discussed below in informal filings section).

The Commission also revised 47 CFR 73.1615 such that broadcast stations (AM, FM, TV or Class A TV licensees) must file a notification under 47 CFR 73.1615(c) when such a station is in the process of modifying existing facilities as authorized by a construction permit and determines it is necessary to either discontinue operation or to operate with temporary facilities to continue program service for a period not more than 30 days (in which case it must file a Silent STA application or an Engineering STA application via LMS). Licensees or permittees of directional or nondirectional FM, TV or Class A TV or nondirectional AM must file a notification and comply with 47 CFR 73.1615(a). Licensees or permittees of a directional AM station whose modification does not involve a change in operating frequency must file a notification and comply with 47 CFR 73.1615(b). Licensees or permittees of a directional AM station whose modification does involve a change in frequency and determines it is necessary to discontinue operation for a period not more than 30 days must file a notification and comply with 47 CFR 73.1615(d)(2). The Commission does not have any program changes or adjustments to this collection as a result of the information collection requirements adopted in FCC 23–72 and there are no other adjustments to the other information collection requirements covered by this collection since last approved by OMB.

OMB Control Number: 3060–0320.

OMB Approval Date: February 2, 2024.

OMB Expiration Date: February 28, 2027.

Title: Section 73.1350, Transmission System Operation.

Form Number: N/A.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities; not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Number of Respondents and Responses: 505 respondents and 505 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: 0.5 hours.

Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement.

Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The statutory authority for this information collection is contained in 154(i) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 253 hours.

Total Annual Cost: None.

Needs and Uses: The Commission adopted on September 18, 2023, the Report and Order ( R&O), Amendment of Part 73 of the Commission's Rules to Update Television and Class A Television Broadcast Station Rules, and Rules Applicable to All Broadcast Stations, MB Docket No. 22–227, FCC 23–72 published at 89 FR 7224 on February 1, 2024. The R&O adopted a number of revisions to the Commission's rules to reorganize and clarify the Commission's technical licensing, operating, and interference rules for full power and Class A television, including a revision to 47 CFR 73.1350(h).

47 CFR 73.1350(h) requires licensees to submit a “letter of notification” to the FCC via a Change of Control Point Notice in the Commission's Licensing and Management System (LMS) database, whenever a transmission system control point is established at a location other than at the main studio or transmitter within three days of the initial use of that point. The letter should include a list of all control points in use, for clarity. This notification is not required if responsible station personnel can be contacted at the transmitter or studio site during hours of operation.

OMB Control Number: 3060–0190.

OMB Approval Date: February 2, 2024.

OMB Expiration Date: February 28, 2027.

Title: Section 73.3544, Application to Obtain a Modified Station License.

Form Number: N/A.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities; Not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Number of Respondents and Responses: 325 respondents and 325 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: 0.25–1 hour.

Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement.

Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. Statutory authority for this information collection is contained in 47 Section 154(i) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 306 hours.

Total Annual Cost: $75,000.

Needs and Uses: The Commission adopted on September 18, 2023, the Report and Order ( R&O), Amendment of Part 73 of the Commission's Rules to Update Television and Class A Television Broadcast Station Rules, and Rules Applicable to All Broadcast Stations, MB Docket No. 22–227, FCC 23–72, published at 89 FR 7224 on February 1, 2024. The R&O adopted a number of revisions to the Commission's rules to reorganize and clarify the Commission's technical licensing, operating, and interference rules for full power and Class A television, including a revision to 47 CFR 73.3544(b) and (c).

47 CFR 73.3544(b) permits that an informal electronic filing of an Administrative Update via the Commission's Licensing and Management System (LMS) may be filed to cover the following changes: (1) A correction of the routing instructions and description of an AM station directional antenna system field monitoring point, when the point itself is not changed; (2) A change in the type of AM station directional antenna monitor. See § 73.69; (3) The location of a remote control point of an AM or FM station when prior authority to operate by remote control is not required.

47 CFR 73.3544(c) requires a change in the name of the licensee where no change in ownership or control is involved may be accomplished by electronically filing an Administrative Update via LMS by the licensee to the Commission.

OMB Control Number: 3060–0182.

OMB Approval Date: February 2, 2024.

OMB Expiration Date: February 28, 2027.

Title: Section 73.1620, Program Tests.

Form Number: N/A.

Respondents: Businesses or other for-profit, Not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Number of Respondents and Responses: 1,469 respondents and 1,469 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: 1–5 hours.

Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement; Third party disclosure.

Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The statutory authority for this collection is contained in Section 154(i) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 1,517 hours.

Total Annual Cost: None.

Needs and Uses: The Commission adopted on September 18, 2023, the Report and Order ( R&O), Amendment of Part 73 of the Commission's Rules to Update Television and Class A Television Broadcast Station Rules, and Rules Applicable to All Broadcast Stations, MB Docket No. 22–227, FCC 23–72. The R&O adopted a number of revisions to the Commission's rules to reorganize and clarify the Commission's technical licensing, operating, and interference rules for full power and Class A television, including a revision to 47 CFR 73.1620(a)(1)–(3) and deletion of 47 CFR 73.1620(f) through(g). No other changes to the existing collection, restated below, are proposed.

47 CFR 73.1620(a)(1) requires permittees of a nondirectional AM or FM station, or a nondirectional or directional TV station to notify the FCC upon beginning of program tests via a Program Test Authority filing in the Commission's Licensing and Management System (LMS) database. An application for license must be filed with the FCC within 10 days of this notification.

47 CFR 73.1620(a)(2) requires a permittee of an FM station with a directional antenna to file a request with the FCC for program test authority 10 days prior to date on which it desires to begin program tests on FCC Form 2100 Schedule 302–FM in LMS. This is filed in conjunction with an application for license.

47 CFR 73.1620(a)(3) requires a licensee of an FM station replacing a directional antenna without changes that would not require the submission of a construction permit application to file with the FCC a modification of license application on FCC Form 2100 Schedule 302–FM within 10 days after commencing operations with the replacement antenna. This is filed in conjunction with an application for license.

47 CFR 73.1620(a)(4) requires a permittee of an AM station with a directional antenna to file a request with the FCC for program test authority 10 days prior to date on which it desires to begin program tests. This is filed in conjunction with an application for license.

47 CFR 73.1620(a)(5) except for permits subject to successive license terms, the permittee of an Low Power TV (LPFM) station may begin program tests upon notification to the FCC in Washington, DC, provided that within 10 days thereafter, an application for license is filed. Program tests may be conducted by a licensee subject to mandatory license terms only during the term specified on such licensee's authorization.

47 CFR 73.1620(b) the Commission reserves the right to revoke, suspend, or modify program tests by any station without right of hearing for failure to comply adequately with all terms of the construction permit or the provisions of § 73.1690(c) for a modification of license application, or in order to resolve instances of interference. The Commission may, at its discretion, also require the filing of a construction permit application to bring the station into compliance the Commission's rules and policies.

OMB Control Number: 3060–0178.

OMB Approval Date: February 2, 2024.

OMB Expiration Date: February 28, 2027.

Title: Section 73.1560 Operating Power and Mode Tolerances.

Form Number: N/A.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities or Not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Number of Respondents and Responses: 80 respondents and 80 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: 1 hour.

Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement.

Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The statutory authority for this collection of information is contained in Section 154(i) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 80 hours.

Total Annual Cost: $20,000.

Needs and Uses: The Commission adopted on September 18, 2023, the Report and Order ( R&O), Amendment of Part 73 of the Commission's Rules to Update Television and Class A Television Broadcast Station Rules, and Rules Applicable to All Broadcast Stations, MB Docket No. 22–227, FCC 23–72. The R&O adopted a number of revisions to the Commission's rules to reorganize and clarify the Commission's technical licensing, operating, and interference rules for full power and Class A television, including a revision to 47 CFR 73.1560(d).

47 CFR 73.1560(d) requires that licensees of AM, FM or TV stations file a notification with the FCC via the Commission's Licensing and Management System (LMS) when operation at reduced power will exceed ten consecutive days in a Reduced Power Notification and upon restoration of normal operations. If causes beyond the control of the licensee prevent restoration of authorized power within a 30-day period, an informal request for Special Temporary Authority must be made via LMS for any additional time as may be necessary to restore normal operations.

OMB Control Number: 3060–0175.

OMB Approval Date: February 2, 2024.

OMB Expiration Date: February 28, 2027.

Title: Section 73.1250, Broadcasting Emergency Information.

Form Number: N/A.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities or Not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Number of Respondents and Responses: 50 respondents and 50 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: 1 hour.

Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement.

Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The statutory authority for this collection is contained in Section 154(i) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 50 hours.

Total Annual Cost: None.

Needs and Uses: The Commission adopted on September 18, 2023, the Report and Order ( R&O), Amendment of Part 73 of the Commission's Rules to Update Television and Class A Television Broadcast Station Rules, and Rules Applicable to All Broadcast Stations, MB Docket No. 22–227, FCC 23–72, published at 89 FR 7224 on February 1, 2024. The R&O adopted a number of revisions to the Commission's rules to reorganize and clarify the Commission's technical licensing, operating, and interference rules for full power and Class A television, including a revision to 47 CFR 73.1250(e) to update the address in which a report in letter form shall be forwarded to.

Emergency situations in which the broadcasting of information is considered as furthering the safety of life and property include, but are not limited to, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, tidal waves, earthquakes, and school closings.

47 CFR 73.1250(e) requires that immediately upon cessation of an emergency during which broadcast facilities were used for the transmission of point-to-point messages or when daytime facilities were used during nighttime hours by an AM station, a report in letter form shall be forwarded to the FCC's main office in Washington, DC, as indicated in 47 CFR 0.401(a), setting forth the nature of the emergency, the dates and hours of the broadcasting of emergency information and a brief description of the material carried during the emergency. A certification of compliance with the non-commercialization provision must accompany the report where daytime facilities are used during nighttime hours by an AM station.

OMB Control Number: 3060–0009.

OMB Approval Date: February 2, 2024.

OMB Expiration Date: February 28, 2027.

Title: FCC Form 2100, Schedule 316—Application for Consent to Assign Broadcast Station Construction Permit or License or Transfer Control of Entity Holding Broadcast Station Construction Permit or License.

Form Number: FCC Form 2100, Schedule 316.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities; Not-for-profit institutions; State, local or tribal government.

Estimated Number of Respondents and Responses: 750 respondents and 750 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: 1.5–4.5 hours.

Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement.

Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain benefits. Statutory authority for this collection of information is contained in Sections 154(i) and 310(d) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 1,231 hours.

Total Annual Cost: $711,150.

Needs and Uses: The Commission adopted on September 18, 2023, the Report and Order ( R&O), Amendment of Part 73 of the Commission's Rules to Update Television and Class A Television Broadcast Station Rules, and Rules Applicable to All Broadcast Stations, MB Docket No. 22–227, FCC 23–72, published at 89 FR 7224 on February 1, 2024. The R&O adopted a number of revisions to the Commission's rules to reorganize and clarify the Commission's technical licensing, operating, and interference rules for full power and Class A television, including revisions to 47 CFR 73.3540 to update the reference to FCC Form 2100, Schedule 316. For informational purposes, the Commission also will update reference in 47 CFR 73.3540 to FCC Form 2100, Schedules 314 and 315 covered under OMB 3060–0031 and FCC Form 2100, Schedule 345 covered under 3060–0075. The Commission will not revise these collections because only the reference to the forms will be updated. We are noting this in this collection. The revision to this information collection is made for informational purposes only, and does not create new or modify existing burdens. Other information collection requirements that are covered under this collection have not changed since last approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

OMB Control Number: 3060–0113.

OMB Approval Date: February 14, 2024.

OMB Expiration Date: February 28, 2027.

Title: Form 2100, Schedule 396—Broadcast Equal Employment Opportunity Program Report.

Form Number: FCC 2100, Schedule 396.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities, Not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Number of Respondents and Responses: 2,960 respondents and 2,960 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: 0.5–2 hours.

Frequency of Response: On renewal reporting requirement.

Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The statutory authority which covers this information collection is contained in section 154(i) and 303 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 4,436 hours.

Total Annual Cost: $666,000.

Needs and Uses: The Commission adopted on September 18, 2023, the Report and Order ( R&O), Amendment of Part 73 of the Commission's Rules to Update Television and Class A Television Broadcast Station Rules, and Rules Applicable to All Broadcast Stations, MB Docket No. 22–227, FCC 23–72, published at 89 FR 7224 on February 1, 2024. The R&O adopted a number of revisions to the Commission's rules to reorganize and clarify the Commission's technical licensing, operating, and interference rules for full power and Class A television, including a revision to 47 CFR 73.2080. No other changes to OMB Control Number 3060–0113, approved August 2021, been made, with the exception of an added description regarding the revision to § 73.2080. That description is for illustrative purposes only, and also does not create any new or modified paperwork obligations.

Federal Communications Commission.

Marlene Dortch,

Secretary.