Notice2025-03057
Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
February 25, 2025
Issuing agencies
Federal Communications Commission
Abstract
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collections. Comments are requested concerning: 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; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; 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; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 36 (Tuesday, February 25, 2025)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 25, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10631-10634]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-03057]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
[OMB 3060-XXXX; FR ID 281227]
Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal
Communications Commission
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
[[Page 10632]]
ACTION: Notice and request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens,
and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general
public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment
on the following information collections. Comments are requested
concerning: 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; the
accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the
quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; 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; and ways to further reduce the
information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer
than 25 employees.
DATES: Written comments should be submitted on or before April 28,
2025. 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 below as soon as possible.
ADDRESSES: Direct all PRA comments to Cathy Williams, FCC, via email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3d6d6f7c7d5b5e5e135a524b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="84d4d6c5c4e2e7e7aae3ebf2">[email protected]</span></a> and to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f9ba988d9180d7ae9095959098948ab99f9a9ad79e968f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1a597b6e7263344d737676737b77695a7c7979347d756c">[email protected]</span></a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information about the
information collection, contact Cathy Williams at (202) 418-2918.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. No person shall be
subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of
information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB
control number.
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and
as required by the PRA of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), the FCC invites
the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity
to comment on the following information collections. Comments are
requested concerning: 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; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected;
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; and ways to further reduce the
information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer
than 25 employees.
OMB Control Number: 3060-XXXX.
Title: FM Booster Program Origination Notification; Form 2100,
Schedule 336; 47 CFR 74.1206.
Form Number: Form 2100, Schedule 336.
Type of Review: New collection.
Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities.
Number of Respondents and Responses: 1,260 respondents; 1,260
responses.
Estimated Hours per Response: 1 hour-10 hours.
Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement.
Total Annual Burden: 1,350 hours.
Total Annual Cost: $568,500.
Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The
statutory authority for this collection of information is contained in
Sections 154(i), 303, 310, and 553 of the Communications Act of 1934,
as amended.
Needs and Uses: On November 21, 2024, the Commission adopted the
Second Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration, MB Docket Nos.
20-401, 17-105, FCC 24-121 (Second Report and Order), which allows FM
and low power FM (LPFM) broadcasters to use FM booster stations to
originate program content, for up to three minutes of each hour. This
option allows FM and LPFM broadcasters to air programming on booster
stations different from their primary station to better meet the needs
and interests of local listeners.
FM boosters are low power, secondary stations that operate in the
FM broadcast band. They must be licensed to the same broadcaster and on
the same frequency as the primary station, and rebroadcast that primary
station's signal within its protected contour. Until this proceeding,
FM boosters were traditionally used only as a means to enhance weak
signals of a primary FM station and could not originate programming.
With advances in technology it is now possible for FM broadcasters to
customize the content delivered to different parts of their service
areas by using boosters to air programming different from their primary
FM station. Since the April 2024 adoption of the First Report and Order
in this proceeding, MB Docket Nos. 20-401, FCC 17-105, the Commission
has allowed the use of program originating FM boosters on a temporary,
experimental basis. The Second Report and Order now establishes
specific processing, licensing, and service rules and permanently
authorizes broadcasters to originate programming on FM boosters without
the need for an experimental authorization.
Program Origination Notification Form. In the Second Report and
Order, the Commission establishes that FM licensees can apply for
boosters on a first come/first served basis. Before commencing program
origination the licensee will file a notification (FM Booster Program
Origination Notification) using an electronic form that will be
available in the Media Bureau's Licensing and Management System (LMS)
database. The notification will enable the Commission and interested
parties to identify which FM boosters are originating programming.
Program originating FM booster licensees will be required to file the
notification form in LMS 15 days prior to commencing origination, and
30 days after permanently terminating origination. Per 47 CFR
74.1232(g), no more than 25 program originating booster stations may be
licensed to a single full service FM broadcast station. A separate form
is required for each FM booster station.
To facilitate the rollout of this service, the Commission directed
the Media Bureau to create a notification form and consistent with this
directive, the Media Bureau created the FM Booster Program Origination
Notification, FCC Form 2100, Schedule 336. The information requested in
the FM Booster Program Origination Notification should assist
interested parties in raising any program-origination-related concerns
as complaints (at any time) or as objections during the license renewal
process, and the Bureau will best be able to respond to any complaints
that may arise.
Accordingly, as directed by Commission in the Second Report and
Order, the Bureau is creating the FM Booster Program Origination
Notification, which, in addition to the standard general contact
information, includes the following elements:
(1) The call sign and facility identification number of the program
originating FM booster station;
(2) If applicable, the date on which the program originating FM
booster station will commence (or has terminated) originating content;
[[Page 10633]]
(3) The name and telephone number of a technical representative the
Commission or the public can contact in the event of interference;
(4) A certification that the program originating FM booster station
complies with all Emergency Alert System (EAS) requirements contained
in part 11 of our rules;
(5) A certification that the program originating FM booster station
will originate programming for no more than three minutes of each
broadcast hour; and
(6) A certification that the program originating FM booster
minimizes interference to the primary station through synchronization
or terrain shielding.
To implement this new information requirement contained in the
Second Report and Order, the Commission added new section 74.1206 to
the rules. This new information collection regarding the FM Booster
Program Origination Notification and 47 CFR 74.1206 needs OMB review
and approval.
EAS-specific Notification. In response to public safety concerns
about the potential impact on the Emergency Alert System (EAS), the
Commission will also require primary station broadcasters whose signals
are specified in a state emergency communications plan, to notify their
State Emergency Communications Committee(s) (SECC) of their use of
program originating boosters. Broadcasters must notify the appropriate
SECC(s) at least 30 days prior to employing a program originating
booster, or implementing a change to a booster's status. This
requirement has also been codified in new rule section 74.1206. This
information collection regarding the EAS-specific notification and 47
CFR 74.1206 need OMB review and approval.
OPIF Public Interest Certification by Licensees of Program
Originating FM Boosters. To ensure that program originating booster
stations are used appropriately and equitably, the Commission adopted a
public interest self-certification requirement. Specifically, every
licensee of a full service FM primary station using a program
originating FM booster station, as defined in 47 CFR 74.1201(f)(2),
shall concurrently with its quarterly issues programs lists for the
primary station, place a booster public interest certification in the
online public file of its FM primary station. The certification must
contain the call sign(s) of the relevant booster(s) and certify that in
originating programming over the booster(s), the licensee has
considered the characteristics and needs of the coverage area of the
booster station and has not used the booster to exclude or diminish
service to other populations within that area or any other area served
by the booster's primary station. This requirement has been codified in
rule sections 73.3526(a)(3) and (e)(20), and 73.3527(a)(3) and (e)(16),
the online public inspection file rule for commercial stations and
noncommercial educational stations, respectively. This information
collection regarding the OPIF public interest certification by
licensees of program originating FM boosters, and the modifications to
47 CFR 73.3526 and 73.3527, need OMB review and approval.
Interference Regarding FM Booster Applications. In the Second
Report and Order the Commission adopted the proposed amendment to
section 74.1204(f) of the rules to provide a mechanism for complaints
of predicted interference against a pending FM booster construction
permit application. By amending section 74.1204(f) to allow complaints
of predicted interference against pending FM booster construction
permit applications, we are establishing a process that will provide
the earliest indication that a developing booster station may cause
interference that must be resolved under 74.1203 once the booster
station commences broadcasts. This early warning is best received prior
to investing in the development of a booster station. This information
collection regarding the predicted interference complaint process at
the construction permit application stage, and the modification to 47
CFR 74.1204(f), need OMB review and approval.
The following rule sections are covered by this information
collection and require OMB approval:
Sec. 74.1206 Program Originating FM Booster Station Notifications
(a) A program originating FM booster station must electronically
file an FM Booster Program Origination Notification with the Commission
in LMS using the form provided for this purpose, before commencing or
after terminating the broadcast of booster-originated content subject
to the provisions of Sec. 74.1201(f)(2) of this part. Such a
notification must be filed within 15 days before commencing
origination, or within 30 days after terminating origination.
(b) A primary FM station that is designated in a state emergency
communications plan as an Emergency Alert Service Local Primary (LP),
State Primary (SP), State Relay (SR), or otherwise monitored as an
over-the-air source of EAS messages must notify the proper State
Emergency Communications Committee(s) of its intent to transmit unique
local programing on one or more program originating FM boosters at
least 30 days prior to employing a program originating booster, or
implementing changes to booster status. The notification should
disclose whether the booster(s) will simulcast the primary station or
remain off-air during periods when not originating programming and
advise continued monitoring of the primary station and not of a
booster.
(c) Stations employing program originating boosters must report to
the Commission's Operations Center, at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#561015151906051630353578313920"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="91d7d2d2dec1c2d1f7f2f2bff6fee7">[email protected]</span></a>, any problems of
which they become aware concerning EAS-related interference.
Sec. 73.3526 Online Public Inspection File of Commercial Stations
(a)(3) Every permittee or licensee of a program originating FM
booster station, as defined in Sec. 74.1201(f)(2) of this chapter,
shall maintain in the political file of its FM primary station the
records required in Sec. 73.1943 of this part for each such program
originating FM booster station.
(e)(20) Certification by Licensees of Program Originating FM
Boosters. Every licensee of an FM primary station using a program
originating FM booster station, as defined in Sec. 74.1201(f)(2) of
this chapter, shall concurrently with its quarterly issues programs
lists for the primary station, place a booster public interest
certification in the online public file of its FM primary station. The
certification must contain the call sign(s) of the relevant booster(s)
and certify that in originating programming over the booster(s) the
licensee has considered the characteristics and needs of the coverage
area of the booster station and has not used the booster to exclude or
diminish service to other populations within that area or any other
area served by the booster's primary station.
Sec. 73.3527 Online Public Inspection File of Noncommercial
Educational Stations
(a)(3) Every permittee or licensee of a program originating FM
booster station, as defined in Sec. 74.1201(f)(2) of this chapter, in
the noncommercial educational broadcast service shall maintain in the
political file of its FM primary station the records required in Sec.
73.1943 of this part for each such program originating FM booster
station.
(e)(16) Certification by Licensees of Program Originating FM
Boosters. Every licensee of an FM primary station using
[[Page 10634]]
a program originating FM booster station, as defined in Sec.
74.1201(f)(2) of this chapter, shall concurrently with its quarterly
issues programs lists for the primary station, place a booster public
interest certification in the online public file of its FM primary
station. The certification must contain the call sign(s) of the
relevant booster(s) and certify that in originating programming over
the booster(s) the licensee has considered the characteristics and
needs of the coverage area of the booster station and has not used the
booster to exclude or diminish service to other populations within that
area or any other area served by the booster's primary station.
Sec. 74.1204(f) Protection of FM Broadcast, FM Translator and LP100
Stations
(1) An application for an FM translator station will not be granted
even though the proposed operation would not involve overlap of field
strength contours with any other station, as set forth in paragraph (a)
of this section, if grant of the authorization will result in
interference to the reception of a regularly used, off-the-air signal
of any authorized co-channel, first, second or third adjacent channel
broadcast station, including previously authorized secondary service
stations within the 45 dB[mu] field strength contour of the desired
station.
(2) An application for an FM broadcast booster station will not be
granted even though the proposed operation would not involve overlap of
field strength contours with any other station, as set forth in
paragraph (i) of this section, if grant of the authorization will
result in interference to the reception of a regularly used, off-the-
air signal of any authorized co-channel, first, second or third
adjacent channel broadcast station, other than the booster's primary
station, but including previously authorized secondary service stations
within the 45 dB[mu] field strength contour of the desired station.
(3) Interference, with regard to either an FM translator station or
an FM broadcast booster station application, is demonstrated by:
(iv) A statement that the complaining station licensee has used
commercially reasonable efforts to inform the relevant translator or
booster licensee of the claimed interference and attempted private
resolution.
Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary, Office of the Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2025-03057 Filed 2-24-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on February 25, 2025.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.