[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 164 (Monday, August 25, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 50998]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-21652]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 73

[MB Docket No. 03-130; DA 03-2639]


Definition of Radio Markets for Areas Not Located in an Arbitron 
Survey Area

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period.

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SUMMARY: This decision extends the period for filing public comments 
and reply comments in this proceeding at the request of commenters.

DATES: Comments are now due on October 6, 2003, and Reply Comments are 
due on October 21, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Brett, Media Bureau, 202-418-2330.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Order 
in MB Docket No. 03-130, DA 03-2639, adopted August 11, 2003, and 
released August 12, 2003. The complete text of this Order is available 
for inspection and copying during normal business hours in the FCC 
Reference Information Center, Courtyard Level, 445 12th Street, S.W., 
Washington, DC, and also may be purchased from the Commission's copy 
contractor, Qualex International, Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW., 
Room CY-B402, Washington, DC 20554, telephone 202-863-2893, facsimile 
202-863-2898, or via e-mail at [email protected]. Alternative formats 
(computer diskette, large print, audio cassette, and Braille) are 
available to persons with disabilities by contacting Brian Millin at 
202-418-7426, TTY 202-418-7365, or at [email protected].

Synopsis of the Order

    1. On July 2, 2003, the Commission released its Notice of Proposed 
Rule Making (``NPRM'') in conjunction with its Report and Order in this 
proceeding, completing its third biennial review of its broadcast 
ownership rules. (See NPRM at 68 FR 46359, August 5, 2003, and Report 
and Order at 68 FR 46286, August 5, 2003.) The current deadlines to 
file comments and reply comments in this proceeding are September 4, 
2003 and September 19, 2003, respectively.
    2. In the Report and Order, the Commission replaced its current 
contour-overlap methodology for defining radio markets with a 
geographic market approach in areas where such markets have been 
defined by Arbitron. These ``Metro'' markets are used to determine 
compliance with the local radio ownership rule. The Commission also 
initiated this proceeding to define radio markets for areas not covered 
by Metro markets. Until a new definition is developed, the Commission 
will use a modified contour-overlap methodology in non-Metro markets. 
The goal of the proceeding is to generate a map or a list of markets 
for radio stations across the entire country.
    3. On August 8, 2003, the National Association of Broadcasters 
(``NAB'') and Saga Communications, Inc. (collectively, ``Petitioners'') 
filed a joint motion asking the Commission to extend the comment and 
reply comment deadlines to October 20, 2003 and November 19, 2003, 
respectively. Petitioners assert that they need additional time to 
assess the impact of the options suggested by the Commission as well as 
to attempt to develop a market definition specific to radio. NAB has 
contracted with a consultant to study the Commission's options as well 
as others and requests additional time to accumulate and review the 
data. Petitioners also argue that additional time is needed for NAB's 
radio task force and Radio Board to act, and for staff to prepare 
comments reflecting the Board's decisions.
    4. We believe that the public interest would be best served by 
granting a brief extension of the comment and reply comment filing 
deadlines so that commenters may assemble data and conduct studies that 
will inform our decision in this proceeding. At the same time, however, 
we recognize the importance of completing this proceeding in a timely 
fashion. Adopting a permanent definition of radio markets outside Metro 
areas will provide parties with long-term certainty as to the radio 
market definition and allow them to plan transactions accordingly. 
Accordingly, we will grant only a thirty-day extension. The new 
deadline for comments is October 6, 2003. The new deadline for replies 
is October 21, 2003.

Federal Communications Commission.
Robert Ratcliffe,
Deputy Chief, Media Bureau.
[FR Doc. 03-21652 Filed 8-22-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P