[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 74 (Thursday, April 16, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21076-21079]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-06927]


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

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Parts 73 and 76

[MB Docket Nos. 17-105 and 14-127, MM Docket No. 00-168; FCC 20-32; FRS 
16600]


Modernization of Media Regulation Initiative; Expansion of Online 
Public File Obligations to Cable and Satellite TV Operators and 
Broadcast and Satellite Radio Licensees; Standardized and Enhanced 
Disclosure Requirements for Television Broadcast Licensee Public 
Interest Obligations

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In this document, the Commission makes non-substantive, 
editorial revisions to the Commission's rules to eliminate regulations 
that have become unnecessary because they no longer have any 
applicability. These relevant provisions are now without legal effect 
and therefore obsolete due to the completion of the transition from 
local hard copy public inspection files to online public inspection 
files.

DATES: This rule is effective April 16, 2020.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information on this 
proceeding, contact Diana Sokolow, [email protected], of the Policy 
Division, Media Bureau, (202) 418-2120.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Order, 
FCC 20-32, adopted on March 17, 2020 and released on March 18, 2020, 
which is the subject of this rulemaking. The full text is available for 
public inspection and copying during regular business hours in the FCC 
Reference Center, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, 
SW, Room CY-A257, Washington, DC 20554. This document will also be 
available via ECFS at http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/. Documents will be 
available electronically in ASCII, Microsoft Word, and/or Adobe 
Acrobat. Alternative formats are available for people with disabilities 
(Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), by sending an 
email to [email protected] or calling the Commission's Consumer and 
Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 
(TTY).

Synopsis

    1. In this Order, we make non-substantive, editorial revisions to 
parts 73 and 76 of the Commission's rules to eliminate rules that have 
become unnecessary because they no longer have any applicability. 
Specifically, we delete certain rule provisions regarding the 
maintenance of local public inspection files by commercial broadcast 
stations, noncommercial educational (NCE) broadcast stations, and cable 
system operators. These provisions are, or as of the effective date of 
this Order will be, without legal effect and therefore obsolete due to 
the completion of the transition from local hard copy public inspection 
files to online public inspection files. Eliminating this obsolete 
language will ease review and clarity of the current public file 
requirements and streamline our rules.
    2. In 2012, the Commission first adopted online public inspection 
file rules for television broadcasters, requiring them to post public 
file documents to a central, Commission-hosted online database rather 
than maintaining files locally at their main studios.\1\ In 2016, the 
Commission expanded the online public inspection file requirements to 
additional entities, including cable operators and broadcast radio 
licensees.\2\ To ease compliance

[[Page 21077]]

burdens for smaller entities with limited financial resources, the 
Commission delayed for two years, until March 1, 2018, online file 
obligations for radio stations outside the top 50 markets, radio 
stations within the top 50 markets with fewer than five fulltime 
employees, NCE radio stations, and smaller cable operators.\3\ In 
addition, television stations, radio stations, and cable system 
operators were not required to upload existing political file material, 
but only new political file material on a going-forward basis. This 
phased approach was intended to further smooth the transition for 
regulated entities and the Commission and to allow smaller entities 
additional time to begin posting their political files online. Since 
the last hard copy political file material would have been placed in 
the file by March 1, 2018, and since all political file material is 
subject to a two-year retention period, as of March 1, 2020 the 
transition to the online public file will be complete and the rule 
revisions adopted herein will be effective as of that date or as of the 
date of Federal Register publication, whichever is later.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The public inspection file rules apply to full power and 
Class A television stations, and not to low power television or 
television translators.
    \2\ The online file requirements also were expanded to satellite 
TV (also referred to as ``Direct Broadcast Satellite'' or ``DBS'') 
providers and satellite radio (also referred to as ``Satellite 
Digital Audio Radio Services'' or ``SDARS'') in the 2016 Order.
    \3\ The Commission exempted cable systems with fewer than 1,000 
subscribers from all online public file requirements and applied the 
March 1, 2018 timeframe to cable systems with between 1,000 and 
5,000 subscribers. Accordingly, cable systems with fewer than 1,000 
subscribers may continue to retain public file material at their 
system.
    \4\ Upon completion of the transition to the online public file, 
we expect that all entities subject to the online public inspection 
file requirements will be fully compliant. Broadcast stations that 
are not in full compliance will be required to self-disclose any 
non-compliance in their renewal application during the current 
renewal cycle, and we anticipate that the Media Bureau will initiate 
enforcement action when necessary as part of the renewal review.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    3. With the transition complete, we adopt this Order to remove the 
transitional requirements from the public file rules. Specifically, we 
delete portions of the public file rules that pertain to radio 
licensees being temporarily exempt from the online public file, since 
such licensees were no longer exempt as of March 1, 2018. We also 
delete portions of the rules that pertain to retention of the existing 
political files in hard copy, which are no longer relevant as of March 
1, 2020. In addition, we delete portions of the rules that currently 
explain what is meant by references to the ``local public inspection 
file,'' since such references will not appear in the revised rules.\5\ 
We add language to the cable public file rules to clarify that only 
those cable systems that are exempt from the online public file 
requirement, i.e., those with fewer than 1,000 subscribers, will 
continue to be permitted to retain public file material at their 
system.\6\ We also delete other obsolete language in the public file 
rules.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ We will retain references to the ``local public inspection 
file'' in the cable public file rule, because cable television 
systems with fewer than 1,000 subscribers are exempt from the online 
public file requirements.
    \6\ Specifically, we revise Sec.  76.1700(e) to clarify that its 
provisions involving the location of public file material that 
continues to be retained at the system apply to cable television 
systems that are exempt from the online public file requirement 
pursuant to Sec.  76.1700(d). Similarly we revise Sec.  76.1700(f) 
to clarify that those systems required to include in the online 
public file the address of the system's local public file will be 
systems that are exempt from the online public file requirement 
pursuant to Sec.  76.1700(d) but opt to use it partially while 
retaining certain other documents in the local file.
    \7\ Specifically, we delete from these rules obsolete language 
referencing the Commission's main studio rules, which were 
eliminated in 2017. We also revise Sec. Sec.  73.3526(c)(1) and 
73.3527(c)(1) to pertain only to applicants described in paragraph 
(b)(1) of those rules (``[a]n applicant for a new station or change 
of community''), and not permittees or licensees, since the 
described applicants are the only entities subject to these rules 
that will not have fully converted to the online public inspection 
file.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    4. We make certain additional minor revisions to the rules to 
reflect the completion of the transition to the online public 
inspection file. Specifically, we change the word ``local'' in the 
current title of Sec. Sec.  73.3526 (Local public inspection file of 
commercial stations) and 73.3527 (Local public inspection file of 
noncommercial educational stations) to ``online.'' \8\ In addition, we 
revise the political file rule (Sec.  73.1943) to delete language 
pertaining to retention of the political file at the station and to 
clarify that the records must be placed in the online political 
file.\9\ Finally, we change the word ``locally'' in Sec.  73.3615 to 
``in the online public inspection file.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ We note that the Commission has previously proposed 
revisions to Sec. Sec.  73.3526(e)(13) and 73.3527(e)(10), covering 
local public notice announcements, and we thus do not implement any 
further revisions to those rules here. These proposed revisions will 
be considered in an upcoming order.
    \9\ Specifically, we revise this rule by adding the word 
``online'' to ``online political file'' in paragraph (c) and by 
removing paragraph (d) in its entirety.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    5. The rule revisions adopted in this Order are non-substantive, 
editorial revisions. Because these revisions merely eliminate 
provisions that are no longer effective and thus obsolete as of March 
1, 2020, and make other related non-substantive edits, we find good 
cause to conclude that notice and comment procedures are unnecessary 
and would not serve any useful purpose. As explained above, these 
revisions will be effective on the latter of March 1, 2020 or the 
Federal Register publication date, by which time the transition to the 
online public file will be complete.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ Because the rules being revised are, as of March 1, 2020, 
without legal effect and therefore obsolete due to the completion of 
the transition from local hard copy public inspection files to 
online public inspection files, there is ``good cause'' under 5 
U.S.C. 553(d) to make the rules effective prior to 30 days after 
publication in the Federal Register.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    6. Because these rule changes do not require notice and comment, 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act does not apply.
    7. This Order does not contain new or modified information 
collection requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 
(PRA). In addition, therefore, it does not contain any new or modified 
information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer 
than 25 employees, pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act 
of 2002.
    8. The Commission has determined, and the Administrator of the 
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and 
Budget, concurs that this rule is ``non-major'' under the Congressional 
Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 804(2). The Commission will send a copy of the 
Order to Congress and the Government Accountability Office pursuant to 
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    9. Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED that, effective on the latter of 
March 1, 2020 or the Federal Register publication date, parts 73 and 76 
of the Commission's rules ARE AMENDED, as set forth in the attached 
Final Rules, pursuant to the authority contained in sections 4(i) and 
303(r) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 
303(r), and in sections 553(b)(3)(B) and 553(d)(3) of the 
Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C 553(b)(3)(B), 553(d)(3).
    10. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that, should no petitions for 
reconsideration or petitions for judicial review be timely filed, MB 
Docket No. 14-127 and MM Docket No. 00-168 SHALL BE TERMINATED and 
their dockets closed.

List of Subjects

47 CFR Part 73

    Cable television, Radio, Television.

47 CFR Part 76

    Cable television.

    Federal Communications Commission.
Cecilia Sigmund,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, Office of the Secretary.

Final Rules

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal 
Communications

[[Page 21078]]

Commission amends 47 CFR parts 73 and 76 as follows:

PART 73--RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES

0
1. The authority citation for part 73 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 155, 301, 303, 307, 309, 310, 334, 
336, 339.


0
2. Amend Sec.  73.1943 by revising paragraph (c) and removing paragraph 
(d) as follows:


Sec.  73.1943  Political file.

* * * * *
    (c) All records required by this paragraph shall be placed in the 
online political file as soon as possible and shall be retained for a 
period of two years. As soon as possible means immediately absent 
unusual circumstances.

0
3. Amend Sec.  73.3526 by
0
a. Revising the section heading and paragraphs (b)(1) and (2);
0
b. Removing paragraph (b)(3);
0
c. Redesignating paragraph (b)(4) as paragraph (b)(3);
0
d. Revising paragraph (c).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  73.3526  Online public inspection file of commercial stations.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) An applicant for a new station or change of community shall 
maintain its file at an accessible place in the proposed community of 
license.
    (2)(i) A television or radio station licensee or applicant shall 
place the contents required by paragraph (e) of this section of its 
public inspection file in the online public file hosted by the 
Commission.
    (ii) A station must provide a link to the public inspection file 
hosted on the Commission's website from the home page of its own 
website, if the station has a website, and provide contact information 
on its website for a station representative that can assist any person 
with disabilities with issues related to the content of the public 
files. A station also is required to include in the online public file 
the station's address and telephone number, and the email address of 
the station's designated contact for questions about the public file.
* * * * *
    (c) Access to material in the file. For any applicant described in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section that does not include all material 
described in paragraph (e) of this section in the online public file 
hosted by the Commission, the portion of the file that is not included 
in the online public file shall be available for public inspection at 
any time during regular business hours at an accessible place in the 
community of license. The applicant must provide information regarding 
the location of the file, or the applicable portion of the file, within 
one business day of a request for such information. All or part of the 
file may be maintained in a computer database, as long as a computer 
terminal is made available, at the location of the file, to members of 
the public who wish to review the file. Material in the public 
inspection file shall be made available for printing or machine 
reproduction upon request made in person. The applicant may specify the 
location for printing or reproduction, require the requesting party to 
pay the reasonable cost thereof, and may require guarantee of payment 
in advance (e.g., by requiring a deposit, obtaining credit card 
information, or any other reasonable method). Requests for copies shall 
be fulfilled within a reasonable period of time, which generally should 
not exceed 7 days.
* * * * *

0
4. Amend Sec.  73.3527 by
0
a. Revising the section heading and paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2)(i);
0
b. Removing paragraph (b)(2)(ii);
0
c. Redesignating paragraph (b)(2)(iii) as paragraph (b)(2)(ii) and 
revising newly redesignated paragraph (b)(2)(ii); and
0
d. Revising paragraph (c).
    The revisions read as follows.


Sec.  73.3527  Online public inspection file of noncommercial 
educational stations.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) An applicant for a new station or change of community shall 
maintain its file at an accessible place in the proposed community of 
license.
    (2)(i) A noncommercial educational television or radio station 
licensee or applicant shall place the contents required by paragraph 
(e) of this section of its public inspection file in the online public 
file hosted by the Commission.
    (ii) A station must provide a link to the online public inspection 
file hosted by the Commission from the home page of its own website, if 
the station has a website, and provide contact information for a 
station representative on its website that can assist any person with 
disabilities with issues related to the content of the public files. A 
station also is required to include in the online public file hosted by 
the Commission the station's address and telephone number, and the 
email address of the station's designated contact for questions about 
the public file.
* * * * *
    (c) Access to material in the file. For any applicant described in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section that does not include all material 
described in paragraph (e) of this section in the online public file 
hosted by the Commission, the portion of the file that is not included 
in the online public file shall be available for public inspection at 
any time during regular business hours at an accessible place in the 
community of license. The applicant must provide information regarding 
the location of the file, or the applicable portion of the file, within 
one business day of a request for such information. All or part of the 
file may be maintained in a computer database, as long as a computer 
terminal is made available, at the location of the file, to members of 
the public who wish to review the file. Material in the public 
inspection file shall be made available for printing or machine 
reproduction upon request made in person. The applicant may specify the 
location for printing or reproduction, require the requesting party to 
pay the reasonable cost thereof, and may require guarantee of payment 
in advance (e.g., by requiring a deposit, obtaining credit card 
information, or any other reasonable method). Requests for copies shall 
be fulfilled within a reasonable period of time, which generally should 
not exceed 7 days.
* * * * *

0
5. Amend Sec.  73.3615 by revising paragraph (g) to read as follows:


Sec.  73.3615   Ownership reports.

* * * * *
    (g) A copy of all ownership and supplemental ownership reports and 
related materials filed pursuant to this section shall be maintained 
and made available for public inspection in the online public 
inspection file as required by Sec. Sec.  73.3526 and 73.3527.

PART 76--MULTICHANNEL VIDEO AND CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE

0
6. The authority citation for part 76 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  47 U.S.C. 151, 152, 153, 154, 301, 302, 302a, 303, 
303a, 307, 308, 309, 312, 315, 317, 325, 338, 339, 340, 341, 503, 
521, 522, 531, 532, 534, 535, 536, 537, 543, 544, 544a, 545, 548, 
549, 552, 554, 556, 558, 560, 561, 571, 572, 573.


0
7. Amend Sec.  76.1700 by revising paragraph (a) introductory text, 
paragraphs (e) and (f) to read as follows:

[[Page 21079]]

Sec.  76.1700  Records to be maintained by cable system operators.

    (a) Public inspection file. The following records must be placed in 
the online public file hosted by the Commission, except as indicated in 
paragraph (d) of this section.
* * * * *
    (e) Location of records. For cable television systems exempt from 
the online public file requirement pursuant to paragraph (d) of this 
section, public file material that continues to be retained at the 
system shall be retained in a public inspection file maintained at the 
office in the community served by the system that the system operator 
maintains for the ordinary collection of subscriber charges, resolution 
of subscriber complaints, and other business and, if the system 
operator does not maintain such an office in the community, at any 
accessible place in the communities served by the system (such as a 
public registry for documents or an attorney's office). Public file 
locations will be open at least during normal business hours and will 
be conveniently located. The public inspection file shall be available 
for public inspection at any time during regular business hours for the 
facility where they are kept. All or part of the public inspection file 
may be maintained in a computer database, as long as a computer 
terminal capable of accessing the database is made available, at the 
location of the file, to members of the public who wish to review the 
file.
    (f) Links and contact and geographic information. A system must 
provide a link to the public inspection file hosted on the Commission's 
website from the home page of its own website, if the system has a 
website, and provide contact information on its website for a system 
representative who can assist any person with disabilities with issues 
related to the content of the public files. A system also is required 
to include in the online public file the address of the system's local 
public file, if the system is exempt from the online public file 
requirement pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section but opts to use 
it in part while retaining certain documents in the local file that are 
not available in the Commission's online file, and the name, phone 
number, and email address of the system's designated contact for 
questions about the public file. In addition, a system must provide on 
the online public file a list of the five digit ZIP codes served by the 
system. To the extent this section refers to the local public 
inspection file, it refers to the public file of a physical system, 
which is either maintained at the location described in paragraph (e) 
of this section or on the Commission's website, depending upon where 
the documents are required to be maintained under the Commission's 
rules.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2020-06927 Filed 4-15-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P