Notice of Public Information Collection(s) being Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval

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, 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 June 11, 2004. 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 Commission, Room 1-A804, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554 or via the Internet to Leslie.Smith@fcc.gov or Kristy L. LaLonde, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Room 10236 NEOB, Washington, DC 20503, (202) 395-3087 or via the Internet at Kristy_L._LaLonde@omb.eop.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For additional information or copy of the information collection(s) contact Les Smith at (202) 418-0217 or via the Internet at Leslie.Smith@fcc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

OMB Control Number: 3060-0182.

Title: Section 73.1620, Program Tests.

Form Number: N/A.

Type of Review: Revision of currently approved collection.

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

Number of Respondents: 1,513.

Estimated Hours per Response: 1-5 hours.

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

Total Annual Burden: 1,553 hours.

Total Annual Costs: None.

Privacy Impact Assessment: No impacts.

Needs and Uses: 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. An application for license must be filed within 10 days of this notification. 47 CFR 73.1620(a)(2) requires a permittee of an AM or FM station with a directional antenna to file a request 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)(3) requires a licensee of an FM station replacing a directional antenna without changes to file a modification of the license application within 10 days after commencing operations with the replacement antenna. 47 CFR 73.1620(a)(4) requires a permittee of an AM station with a directional antenna to file a request for program test authority 10 days prior to the date on which it desires to begin program test. 47 CFR 73.1620(a)(5) requires that, except for permits subject to successive license terms, a permittee of an 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 licenses's authorization. 47 CFR 73.1620(b) allows the FCC 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 provision of 47 CFR 73.1690(c) for a modification of license application, or in order to resolve instances of interference. The FCC may also require the filing of a construction permit application to bring the station into compliance with the Commission's rules and policies. 47 CFR 73.1620(f) requires licensees of UHF TV stations, assigned to the same allocated channel which a 1000 watt UHF translator station is authorized to use, to notify the licensee of the translator station at least 10 days prior to commencing or resuming operation and certify to the FCC that such advance notice has been given. 47 CFR 73.1620(g) requires permittees to report any deviations from their promises, if any, in their application for license to cover their construction permit (FCC Form 302) and on the first anniversary of their commencement of program tests. The notification in § 73.1620(a) alerts the Commission that construction of a station has been completed and that the station is broadcasting program material. The notification in § 73.1620(f) alerts the UHF translator station that the potential of interference exists. The report in § 73.1620(g) stating deviations are necessary to eliminate possible abuses of the FCC's processes and to ensure that comparative promises relating to service to the public are not inflated.