81 FR 5380 - Revitalization of the AM Radio Service

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 21 (February 2, 2016)

Page Range		5380-5381
FR Document		2016-01321

In this document, the Commission announces that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved on January 19, 2016, for a period for three years, an information collection for FCC Form 338, AM Station Modulation Dependent Carrier Level (MDCL) Notification Form and 47 CFR 73.1560 contained in the Report and Order, FCC 15-142. This document is consistent with the Report and Order, which stated that the Commission would publish a document in the Federal Register announcing OMB approval and the effective date of the requirements.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 21 (Tuesday, February 2, 2016)

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 2, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5380-5381]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-01321]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 73

[MB Docket No. 13-249; FCC 15-142]


Revitalization of the AM Radio Service

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) approved on January 19, 2016, for a period 
for three years, an information collection for FCC Form 338, AM Station 
Modulation Dependent Carrier Level (MDCL) Notification Form and 47 CFR 
73.1560 contained in the Report and Order, FCC 15-142. This document is 
consistent with the Report and Order, which stated that the Commission 
would publish a document in the Federal Register announcing OMB 
approval and the effective date of the requirements.

DATES: The amendment to 47 CFR 73.1560 in the final rule published at 
81 FR 2751, January 19, 2016, is effective on March 3, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information contact 
Cathy Williams, [email protected], (202) 418-2918.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document announces that, on January 19, 
2016, OMB approved the information collection requirements for FCC Form 
338, AM Station Modulation Dependent Carrier Level (MDCL) Notification 
Form and 47 CFR 73.1560, published at 81 FR2751 on January 19, 2016. 
The OMB Control Number is 3060-1194. The Commission publishes this 
document as an announcement of the effective date of the requirements. 
If you have any comments on the burden estimates listed below, or how 
the Commission can improve the collections and reduce any burdens 
caused thereby, please contact Cathy Williams, Federal Communications 
Commission, Room 1-C823, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. 
Please include the OMB Control Number, 3060-1194, in your 
correspondence. The Commission will also accept your comments via the 
Internet if you send them to [email protected].
    To request materials in accessible formats for people with 
disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), 
send an email to [email protected] or call the Consumer and Governmental 
Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (TTY).

Synopsis

    As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
3507), the FCC is notifying the public that it received OMB approval on 
January 19, 2016, for the information collection requirements contained 
in the information collection 3060-1194.
    Under 5 CFR 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 Number is 3060-1194. The foregoing document 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: 3060-1194.
    OMB Approval Date: January 19, 2016.
    OMB Expiration Date: January 31, 2019.
    Title: AM Station Modulation Dependent Carrier Level (MDCL) 
Notification Form; FCC Form 338.
    Form Number: FCC Form 338.
    Type of Review: New information collection.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities; Not-for-profit 
institutions.
    Number of Respondents and Responses: 100 respondents and 100 
responses.
    Estimated Hours per Response: 1 hour.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement.
    Total Annual Burden: 100 hours.
    Total Annual Costs: None.
    Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The 
statutory authority for this information collection is contained in 
Sections 154(i), 303, 310 and 533 of the Communications Act of 1934, as 
amended.
    Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: There is no need for 
confidentiality required with this collection of information.
    Privacy Impact Assessment: No impact(s).
    Needs and Uses: On October 31, 2013, the Commission released the 
Notice of Proposed Rule Making, Revitalization of the AM Radio Service 
(NPRM), FCC 13-139, MB Docket No. 13-249. In the NPRM, the Commission 
recognized that in September 2011, the Media Bureau (Bureau) had 
released an MDCL Public Notice, in which it stated that it would permit 
AM stations, by rule waiver or experimental authorization, to use 
transmitter control techniques that vary either the carrier power level 
or both the carrier and sideband power levels as a function of the 
modulation level. This allows AM licensees to reduce power consumption 
while maintaining audio quality and their licensed station

[[Page 5381]]

coverage areas. These techniques are known as Modulation Dependent 
Carrier Level (MDCL) control technologies.
    There are two basic types of MDCL control technologies. In one 
type, the carrier power is reduced at low modulation levels and 
increased at higher modulation levels. In the other type, there is full 
carrier power at low modulation levels and reduced carrier power and 
sideband powers at higher modulation levels. Use of any of these MDCL 
control technologies reduces the station's antenna input power to 
levels not permitted by 47 CFR 73.1560(a).
    The MDCL Public Notice permitted AM station licensees wanting to 
use MDCL control technologies to seek either a permanent waiver of 47 
CFR 73.1560(a) for those licensees already certain of the particular 
MDCL control technology to be used, or an experimental authorization 
pursuant to 47 CFR 73.1510 for those licensees wishing to determine 
which of the MDCL control technologies would result in maximum cost 
savings and minimum effects on the station's coverage area and audio 
quality. Since release of the MDCL Public Notice, 33 permanent waiver 
requests and 20 experimental requests authorizing use of MDCL control 
technologies have been granted by the Bureau.
    AM station licensees using MDCL control technologies have reported 
significant savings on electrical power costs and few, if any, 
perceptible effects on station coverage area and audio quality. 
Accordingly, the NPRM tentatively concluded that use of MDCL control 
technologies reduces AM broadcasters' operating costs while maintaining 
a station's current level of service to the public, without 
interference to other stations. The Commission therefore, proposed 
wider implementation of MDCL control technologies by amending 47 CFR 
73.1560(a), to provide that an AM station may commence operation using 
MDCL control technology without prior Commission authority, provided 
that the AM station licensee notifies the Commission of the station's 
MDCL control operation within 10 days after commencement of such 
operation using the Bureau's Consolidated Database System (CDBS). The 
NPRM solicited comments on the proposed rule change, as well as on the 
potential adverse effects of allowing AM stations to commence MDCL 
control technology operation without prior Commission authority. The 
NPRM also sought comment as to the potential adverse effects, if any, 
of MDCL control technology implementation on other AM stations.
    AM broadcasters are allowed to implement MDCL technologies without 
prior authorization, by electronic notification within 10 days of 
commencing MDCL operations, the Commission created FCC Form 338, AM 
Station Modulation Dependent Carrier Level (MDCL) Notification. In 
addition to the standard general contact information, FCC Form 338 
solicits minimal technical data, as well as the date that MDCL control 
operation commenced.
    The following rule section is also covered by this information 
collection:
    47 CFR 73.1560(a)(1) specifies the limits on antenna input power 
for AM stations. AM stations using MDCL control technologies are not 
required to adhere to these operating power parameters. AM stations 
may, without prior Commission authority, commence MDCL control 
technology use, provided that within ten days after commencing such 
operation, the licensee submits an electronic notification of 
commencement of MDCL operation using FCC Form 338. OMB preapproved the 
information collection requirements contained in FCC 13-139 on January 
28, 2014. The final information collection requirements were adopted as 
proposed in FCC 15-142. OMB approved the final information collection 
requirements on January 19, 2016.

    Federal Communications Commission.
Gloria J. Miles,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, Office of the Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-01321 Filed 2-1-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P

5380 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 21 / Tuesday, February 2, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

PART 157—APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMARY: In this document, the Under 5 CFR 1320, an agency may not
CERTIFICATES OF PUBLIC Commission announces that the Office conduct or sponsor a collection of
CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY AND of Management and Budget (OMB) information unless it displays a current,
FOR ORDERS PERMITTING AND approved on January 19, 2016, for a valid OMB Control Number.
APPROVING ABANDONMENT UNDER period for three years, an information No person shall be subject to any
SECTION 7 OF THE NATURAL GAS collection for FCC Form 338, AM penalty for failing to comply with a
ACT Station Modulation Dependent Carrier collection of information subject to the
Level (MDCL) Notification Form and 47 Paperwork Reduction Act that does not
■ 6. The authority citation for Part 157 CFR 73.1560 contained in the Report display a current, valid OMB Control
continues to read as follows: and Order, FCC 15–142. This document Number. The OMB Control Number is
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 717–717z. is consistent with the Report and Order, 3060–1194. The foregoing document is
which stated that the Commission required by the Paperwork Reduction
■ 7. Section 157.203(d)(1)(iii)(D) is
would publish a document in the Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13,
revised to read as follows:
Federal Register announcing OMB October 1, 1995, and 44 U.S.C. 3507.
§ 157.203 Blanket certification. approval and the effective date of the The total annual reporting burdens and
* * * * * requirements. costs for the respondents are as follows:
(d) * * * OMB Control Number: 3060–1194.
DATES: The amendment to 47 CFR OMB Approval Date: January 19,
(1) * * * 73.1560 in the final rule published at 81
(iii) * * * 2016.
FR 2751, January 19, 2016, is effective OMB Expiration Date: January 31,
(D) Instruct landowners that, if they
on March 3, 2016. 2019.
are still not satisfied with the response,
they may contact the Commission’s FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For Title: AM Station Modulation
Landowner Helpline at the current additional information contact Cathy Dependent Carrier Level (MDCL)
telephone number and email address, Williams, Cathy.Williams@fcc.gov, (202) Notification Form; FCC Form 338.
which is to be provided in the 418–2918. Form Number: FCC Form 338.
notification. Type of Review: New information
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
collection.
* * * * * document announces that, on January
Respondents: Business or other for-
19, 2016, OMB approved the
PART 380—REGULATIONS profit entities; Not-for-profit
information collection requirements for
IMPLEMENTING THE NATIONAL institutions.
FCC Form 338, AM Station Modulation Number of Respondents and
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT Dependent Carrier Level (MDCL) Responses: 100 respondents and 100
Notification Form and 47 CFR 73.1560, responses.
■ 8. The authority citation for Part 380 published at 81 FR2751 on January 19,
continues to read as follows: Estimated Hours per Response: 1
2016. The OMB Control Number is hour.
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 4321–4370h, 7101– 3060–1194. The Commission publishes Frequency of Response: On occasion
7352; E.O. 12009, 3 CFR 1978 Comp., p. 142. this document as an announcement of reporting requirement.
■9. Section 380.15(c)(1)(ii)(C) is the effective date of the requirements. If Total Annual Burden: 100 hours.
amended to read as follows: you have any comments on the burden Total Annual Costs: None.
estimates listed below, or how the Obligation to Respond: Required to
§ 380.15 Siting and maintenance Commission can improve the
requirements.
obtain or retain benefits. The statutory
collections and reduce any burdens authority for this information collection
* * * * * caused thereby, please contact Cathy is contained in Sections 154(i), 303, 310
(c) * * * Williams, Federal Communications and 533 of the Communications Act of
(1) * * * Commission, Room 1–C823, 445 12th
(ii) * * * 1934, as amended.
Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. Nature and Extent of Confidentiality:
(C) A description of the Commission’s Please include the OMB Control
Landowner Helpline, which an affected There is no need for confidentiality
Number, 3060–1194, in your required with this collection of
person may contact to seek an informal correspondence. The Commission will
resolution of a dispute as explained in information.
also accept your comments via the Privacy Impact Assessment: No
§ 1b.22(a) of this chapter and the Internet if you send them to PRA@
Landowner Helpline number. impact(s).
fcc.gov. Needs and Uses: On October 31, 2013,
* * * * * To request materials in accessible the Commission released the Notice of
[FR Doc. 2016–01812 Filed 2–1–16; 8:45 am]
formats for people with disabilities Proposed Rule Making, Revitalization of
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
(Braille, large print, electronic files, the AM Radio Service (NPRM), FCC 13–
audio format), send an email to fcc504@ 139, MB Docket No. 13–249. In the
fcc.gov or call the Consumer and NPRM, the Commission recognized that
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) in September 2011, the Media Bureau
COMMISSION 418–0530 (voice), (202) 418–0432 (Bureau) had released an MDCL Public
(TTY). Notice, in which it stated that it would
47 CFR Part 73 permit AM stations, by rule waiver or
Synopsis
[MB Docket No. 13–249; FCC 15–142] experimental authorization, to use
As required by the Paperwork transmitter control techniques that vary
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Revitalization of the AM Radio Service Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507), either the carrier power level or both the
AGENCY: Federal Communications the FCC is notifying the public that it carrier and sideband power levels as a
Commission. received OMB approval on January 19, function of the modulation level. This
2016, for the information collection allows AM licensees to reduce power
ACTION: Final rule; announcement of
requirements contained in the consumption while maintaining audio
effective date.
information collection 3060–1194. quality and their licensed station

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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 21 / Tuesday, February 2, 2016 / Rules and Regulations 5381

coverage areas. These techniques are technology implementation on other Sea and Aleutian Islands management
known as Modulation Dependent AM stations. area (BSAI). This action is necessary to
Carrier Level (MDCL) control AM broadcasters are allowed to prevent exceeding the A season
technologies. implement MDCL technologies without apportionment of the 2016 Pacific cod
There are two basic types of MDCL prior authorization, by electronic total allowable catch allocated to
control technologies. In one type, the notification within 10 days of catcher/processors using pot gear in the
carrier power is reduced at low commencing MDCL operations, the BSAI.
modulation levels and increased at Commission created FCC Form 338, AM DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska
higher modulation levels. In the other Station Modulation Dependent Carrier local time (A.l.t.), January 29, 2016,
type, there is full carrier power at low Level (MDCL) Notification. In addition through 1200 hours, A.l.t., September 1,
modulation levels and reduced carrier to the standard general contact 2016.
power and sideband powers at higher information, FCC Form 338 solicits FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh
modulation levels. Use of any of these minimal technical data, as well as the Keaton, 907–586–7228.
MDCL control technologies reduces the date that MDCL control operation
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS
station’s antenna input power to levels commenced.
The following rule section is also manages the groundfish fishery in the
not permitted by 47 CFR 73.1560(a). BSAI exclusive economic zone
The MDCL Public Notice permitted covered by this information collection:
47 CFR 73.1560(a)(1) specifies the according to the Fishery Management
AM station licensees wanting to use Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea
MDCL control technologies to seek limits on antenna input power for AM
stations. AM stations using MDCL and Aleutian Islands Management Area
either a permanent waiver of 47 CFR (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific
73.1560(a) for those licensees already control technologies are not required to
adhere to these operating power Fishery Management Council under
certain of the particular MDCL control authority of the Magnuson-Stevens
technology to be used, or an parameters. AM stations may, without
prior Commission authority, commence Fishery Conservation and Management
experimental authorization pursuant to Act. Regulations governing fishing by
47 CFR 73.1510 for those licensees MDCL control technology use, provided
that within ten days after commencing U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP
wishing to determine which of the appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600
MDCL control technologies would result such operation, the licensee submits an
electronic notification of and 50 CFR part 679.
in maximum cost savings and minimum The A season apportionment of the
effects on the station’s coverage area and commencement of MDCL operation
using FCC Form 338. OMB preapproved 2016 Pacific cod total allowable catch
audio quality. Since release of the (TAC) allocated to catcher/processors
MDCL Public Notice, 33 permanent the information collection requirements
contained in FCC 13–139 on January 28, using pot gear in the BSAI is 1,712
waiver requests and 20 experimental metric tons (mt) as established by the
requests authorizing use of MDCL 2014. The final information collection
requirements were adopted as proposed final 2015 and 2016 harvest
control technologies have been granted specifications for groundfish in the
by the Bureau. in FCC 15–142. OMB approved the final
information collection requirements on BSAI (80 FR 11919, March 5, 2015) and
AM station licensees using MDCL inseason adjustment (81 FR 184, January
control technologies have reported January 19, 2016.
5, 2016).
significant savings on electrical power Federal Communications Commission. In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii),
costs and few, if any, perceptible effects Gloria J. Miles, the Administrator, Alaska Region,
on station coverage area and audio Federal Register Liaison Officer, Office of the NMFS (Regional Administrator), has
quality. Accordingly, the NPRM Secretary. determined that the A season
tentatively concluded that use of MDCL [FR Doc. 2016–01321 Filed 2–1–16; 8:45 am] apportionment of the 2016 Pacific cod
control technologies reduces AM BILLING CODE 6712–01–P TAC allocated as a directed fishing
broadcasters’ operating costs while allowance to catcher/processors using
maintaining a station’s current level of pot gear in the BSAI will soon be
service to the public, without DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE reached. Consequently, NMFS is
interference to other stations. The prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific
Commission therefore, proposed wider National Oceanic and Atmospheric cod by pot catcher/processors in the
implementation of MDCL control Administration BSAI.
technologies by amending 47 CFR After the effective date of this closure
73.1560(a), to provide that an AM 50 CFR Part 679 the maximum retainable amounts at
station may commence operation using § 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time
[Docket No. 141021887–5172–02]
MDCL control technology without prior during a trip.
Commission authority, provided that RIN 0648–XE418
the AM station licensee notifies the Classification
Commission of the station’s MDCL Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic This action responds to the best
control operation within 10 days after Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Pot available information recently obtained
commencement of such operation using Catcher/Processors in the Bering Sea from the fishery. The Assistant
the Bureau’s Consolidated Database and Aleutian Islands Management Area Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA
System (CDBS). The NPRM solicited AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries (AA), finds good cause to waive the
comments on the proposed rule change, Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and requirement to provide prior notice and
as well as on the potential adverse opportunity for public comment
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Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
effects of allowing AM stations to Commerce. pursuant to the authority set forth at 5
commence MDCL control technology ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is
operation without prior Commission impracticable and contrary to the public
authority. The NPRM also sought SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed interest. This requirement is
comment as to the potential adverse fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/ impracticable and contrary to the public
effects, if any, of MDCL control processors using pot gear in the Bering interest as it would prevent NMFS from

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Document Created: 2016-02-02 00:31:46
Document Modified: 2016-02-02 00:31:46

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Rules and Regulations
Action		Final rule; announcement of effective date.
Dates		The amendment to 47 CFR 73.1560 in the final rule published at 81 FR 2751, January 19, 2016, is effective on March 3, 2016.
Contact		For additional information contact Cathy Williams, [email protected], (202) 418-2918.
FR Citation		81 FR 5380