[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 41 (Thursday, February 29, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14775-14781]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-03956]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 73

[MB Docket No. 22-227; FCC 23-72; FR ID 203619]


Establishing Rules for Full Power Television and Class A 
Television Stations

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule; announcement of effective date.

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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 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0f4c6e7b67762158666363666e627c4f696c6c21686079"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="de9dbfaab6a7f089b7b2b2b7bfb3ad9eb8bdbdf0b9b1a8">[email protected]</span></a>.

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; Sec.  
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

[[Page 14776]]

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 Sec.  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

[[Page 14777]]

TV licensee or permittee proposes to mount an auxiliary facility on an 
AM tower, it must also demonstrate compliance with Sec.  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 
Sec.  1.30003 or Sec.  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 Sec.  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, Sec. Sec.  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 Sec.  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 Sec.  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 Sec.  
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 Sec.  
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 
Sec.  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 Sec.  1.30002(a) and (b), unless the

[[Page 14778]]

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 Sec.  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 Sec.  73.51) and request special 
temporary authority pursuant to Sec.  73.1635 to operate with 
parameters at variance. For AM stations licensed via field strength 
measurements (see Sec.  73.151(a)), a partial proof of performance (as 
defined by Sec.  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 Sec.  73.151(c)), the proof procedures set forth in Sec.  
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 Sec. Sec.  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 Sec.  1.30003 or Sec.  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 Sec.  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; Sec.  74.788; Low Power 
Television, TV Translator and Class A Television Digital Transition 
Notifications; Section 73.3700(b)(5), Post Auction Licensing; Sec.  
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

[[Page 14779]]

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 Sec.  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.

[[Page 14780]]

    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 Sec.  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

[[Page 14781]]

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 Sec.  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.
[FR Doc. 2024-03956 Filed 2-28-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P


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