[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 53585]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-20793]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION


Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Reviewed by the 
Federal Communications Commission, Comments Requested

August 8, 2002.
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, Pub. L. 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 October 15, 
2002. 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 Judith Boley Herman or Leslie Smith, 
Federal Communications Commission, Room 1-C804 or Room 1-A804, 445 12th 
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554 or via the Internet to [email protected] 
or [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information or copies 
of the information collection(s), contact Judith Boley Herman at 202-
418-0214 or via the Internet at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    OMB Control No.: 3060-0207.
    Title: Part 11 `` Emergency Alert System (EAS).
    Form No.: N/A.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit, not for-profit 
institutions.
    Number of Respondents: 22,000 respondents; 1,144,000 responses.
    Estimated Time Per Response: .017--40 hours.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement and 
recordkeeping requirement.
    Total Annual Burden: 38,585 hours.
    Total Annual Cost: $8,250,000.
    Needs and Uses: On February 22, 2002, the Commission adopted a 
Report and Order in EB Docket No. 01-66 (67 FR 18502). This Report and 
Order amended Part 11 rules to revise the technical and operational 
requirements for the Emergency Alert System (EAS). Many of these 
amendments were intended to enhance the capabilities and performance of 
the EAS during state and local emergencies, which will promote public 
safety. This Report and Order amended the EAS rules to make compliance 
with the EAS requirements less burdensome for broadcast stations, cable 
systems and wireless cable systems. The Report and Order also 
eliminated rules that were obsolete or no longer needed.
    Part 11 contains rules and regulations providing for an EAS. The 
EAS provides the President with the capability to provide immediate 
communications and information to the general public at the national, 
state and local area level during periods of national emergency. The 
EAS also provides state and local government and the National Weather 
Service with the capability to provide immediate communications and 
information to the general public concerning emergency situations 
posing a threat to life and property.
    Part 11 describes the required technical standards and operational 
procedures of the EAS for AM, FM and TV broadcast stations, cable 
systems, wireless cable systems and other participating entities and 
includes recordkeeping and reporting requirements.
    The information will be used by FCC staff as part of routine 
inspections of broadcast stations. Accurate recordkeeping of this data 
is vital in determining the location and nature of possible equipment 
failure on the part of the transmitting or receiving entity. 
Furthermore, since the national level EAS is solely for the President's 
use, its proper operation must be assured.

    Federal Communications Commission.
William F. Caton,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 02-20793 Filed 8-15-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P