[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 121 (Friday, June 23, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 32645-32646]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-15394]



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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 73

[MM Docket Nos. 91-221 and 87-8; DA 95-1355]


Broadcast Services; TV Ownership

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period.

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SUMMARY: The Commission granted an additional eleven-day extension of 
time to file reply comments in this proceeding in response to a request 
filed by The Black Citizens for a Fair Media, Center for Media 
Education, Chinese for Affirmative Action, Communications Task Force, 
Hispanic Bar Association, League of United Latin American Citizens, 
National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, Office of Communications of 
the United Church of Christ, Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force, 
Telecommunications Research Action Center, Wider Opportunities for 
Women, and the Women's Institute for Freedom of the Press 
(Petitioners). The Commission had already granted an extension of the 
original deadline for filing comments in this proceeding (April 17, 
1995) to May 17, 1995, and had extended the original deadline for 
filing reply comments (May 17, 1995) to June 19, 1995. Petitioners 
requested an additional 60-day extension of time to file reply 
comments. The Commission determined that a brief extension was 
warranted to facilitate the development of a full and complete record, 
but declined to grant the full 60-day extension requested by 
Petitioners.

DATES: Reply comments are now due on June 30, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, Washington, D.C. 20554.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kim Matthews (202) 739-0774 or Robert Kieschnick (202) 739-0764, Mass 
Media Bureau.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    In the matter of Review of the Commission's Regulations 
Governing Television Broadcasting, MM Docket No. 91-221; Television 
Satellite Stations Review of Policies and Rules, MM Docket No. 87-8.

Order Granting Extension of Time for Filing Reply Comments

    Adopted: June 15, 1995.
    Released: June 15, 1995.

    By the Chief, Mass Media Bureau:

    1. On December 15, 1994, the Commission adopted a Further Notice of 
Proposed Rule Making regarding ownership of television stations. 
Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making in MM Docket Nos. 91-221 and 87-
8, FCC 94-322 (Jan. 17, 1995) (Notice) 60 FR 6490, February 2, 1995. 
Comments on the Notice were initially due on April 17, 1995, and reply 
comments were initially due on May 17, 1995. By Order released April 7, 
1995 60 FR 19566, April 19, 1995, the time for filing comments in this 
proceeding was extended to May 17, 1995, and the time for filing reply 
comments was extended to June 19, 1995.

    2. On June 12, 1995, The Black Citizens for a Fair Media, Center 
for Media Education, Chinese for Affirmative Action, Communications 
Task Force, Hispanic Bar Association, League of United Latin American 
Citizens, National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, Office of 
Communications of the United Church of Christ, Philadelphia Lesbian and 
Gay Task Force, Telecommunications Research Action Center, Wider 
Opportunities for Women, and the Women's Institute for Freedom of the 
Press (Petitioners), filed a joint request for an additional 60-day 
extension of time to file reply comments in this proceeding. 
Petitioners argue primarily that additional time is needed to review 
and prepare a reply to comments filed in response to the Commission's 
Notice. Petitioners also argue that Congress is presently considering 
legislation that would ``effectively moot'' this proceeding and 
therefore obviate the need to prepare and file reply comments.
    3. As set forth in Section 1.46 of the Commission's Rules, 47 
C.F.R. Sec. 1.46, it is our policy that extensions of time for filing 
comments in rulemaking proceedings shall not be routinely granted. 
Moreover, the initial comment period in this proceeding was longer than 
usual, and one 30-day extension of time has already been granted. 
However, in view of the circumstances outlined by Petitioners, we 
believe an additional 11-day extension of the reply comment deadline is 
warranted in order to facilitate the development of a full and complete 
record. We decline to grant a longer extension at this point in time 
based on speculation as to events that may or may not affect this 
proceeding.
    4. Accordingly, It is Ordered that the Request for Extension of 
Time filed in MM Docket Nos. 91-221 and 87-8 by The Black Citizens for 
a Fair Media, Center for Media Education, Chinese for Affirmative 
Action, Communications Task Force, Hispanic Bar Association, League of 
United Latin American Citizens, National Conference of Puerto Rican 
women, Office of Communications of the United Church of Christ, 
Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force, Telecommunications Research 
Action Center, Wider Opportunities for Women, and the Women's Institute 
for Freedom of the Press is Granted to the extent detailed above and is 
otherwise Denied.
    5. It is Further Ordered that the time for filing reply comments in 
the above-captioned proceeding is Extended to June 30, 1995.
    6. This action is taken pursuant to authority found in Sections 
4(i) and 303(r) of the communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 
U.S.C. 154(i) and [[Page 32646]] 303(r), and Sections 0.204(b), 0.283, 
and 1.45 of the Commission's Rules, 47 CFR 0.204(b), 0.283, and 1.45.

Federal Communications Commission.
Roy J. Stewart,
Chief, Mass Media Bureau.
[FR Doc. 95-15394 Filed 6-22-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-M