Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission for Extension Under Delegated Authority; Comments Requested

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 August 14, 2000. 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 Les Smith, Federal Communications Commissions, Room 1 A-804, 445 Twelfth Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554 or via the Internet to lesmith@fcc.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For additional information or copies of the information collections contact Les Smith at (202) 418-0217 or via the Internet at lesmith@fcc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

OMB Control Number: 3060-0341.

Title: Section 73.1680 Emergency antennas.

Form Number: None.

Type of Review: Extension of currently approved collection.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 142.

Estimated time per response: 1.5 hours (0.5 hours respondent; 1.0 hour contract attorney).

Frequency of response: reporting, on occasion.

Total annual burden: 71 hours.

Total annual costs: $28,400.

Needs and Uses: Section 73.1680 requires that licensees of AM, FM or TV stations submit an informal request to the FCC (within 24 hours of commencement of use) to continue operation with an emergency antenna. An emergency antenna is one that is erected for temporary use after the authorized main and auxiliary antennas are damaged and cannot be used. The data is used by FCC staff to ensure that interference is not caused to other existing stations.

OMB Control Number: 3060-0340.

Title: Section 73.51 Determining operating power.

Form Number: None.

Type of Review: Extension of currently approved collection.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 4,867.

Estimated time per response: 0.25 hours per notation/3 hours per efficiency factor determination.

Frequency of response: Recordkeeping.

Total annual burden: 1,448 hours.

Total annual costs: $0.

Needs and Uses: When it is not possible to use the direct method of power determination due to technical reasons, the indirect method of determining antenna input power may be used on a temporary basis. Section 73.51(d) requires that a notation be made in the station log indicating the dates of commencement and termination of measurement using the indirect method of power determination. Section 73.51(e) requires that AM stations determining the antenna input power by the indirect method must determine the value F (efficiency factor) applicable to each mode of operation and must maintain a record thereof with a notation of its derivation. This recordkeeping requirement is used by FCC staff in field investigations to monitor licensees' compliance with the FCC's technical rules and to ensure that licensee is operating in accordance with its station authorization. The value F (efficiency factor) is used by station personnel in the event that measurement by the indirect method of power is necessary.