83 FR 12274 - Revitalization of the AM Radio Service

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 55 (March 21, 2018)

Page Range		12274-12275
FR Document		2018-05741

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) announces that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved, for a period of three years, information collection requirements adopted in the Commission's Third Report and Order, FCC 17-119. This document is consistent with the Third 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 rules.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 55 (Wednesday, March 21, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 21, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12274-12275]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-05741]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 73

[MB Docket No. 13-249; FCC 17-119]


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 Federal Communications Commission 
(Commission) announces that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
has approved, for a period of three years, information collection 
requirements adopted in the Commission's Third Report and Order, FCC 
17-119. This document is consistent with the Third 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 
rules.

DATES: The rule amendments to 47 CFR 73.151(c)(1)(ix) and (x) and 
(c)(3), 47 CFR 73.154(a), and 47 CFR 73.155, published at 82 FR 51161, 
November 3, 2017, are effective on March 21, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cathy Williams by email at 
[email protected] and telephone at (202) 418-2918.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document announces that, on March 8, 
2018, OMB approved information collection requirements contained in the 
Commission's Report and Order, FCC 17-119, published at 82 FR 51161. 
The OMB Control Number is 3060-0991. The Commission publishes this 
notice as an announcement of the effective date of those information 
collection requirements.

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 
March 8, 2018, for the information collection requirements contained in 
47 CFR 73.151(c)(1)(ix) and (x) and (c)(3), 47 CFR 73.154(a), and 47 
CFR 73.155, as amended, in the Commission's Report and Order, FCC 17-
119. Under 5 CFR part 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 3060-0991. The foregoing notice 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: 3060-0991.
    OMB Approval Date: March 8, 2018.
    OMB Expiration Date: March 31, 2021.
    Title: AM Measurement Data.
    Form Number: N/A.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities.
    Number of Respondents and Responses: 1,800 respondents; 3,135 
responses.
    Estimated Time per Response: 0.50 hours-25 hours.
    Frequency of Response: Recordkeeping requirement, Third Party 
disclosure requirement, On occasion reporting requirement.
    Obligation To Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The 
statutory authority for this collection of information is contained in 
Sections 151, 152, 154(i), 303, and 307 of the Communications Act of 
1934, as amended.
    Total Annual Burden: 20,200 hours.
    Total Annual Cost: $1,131,500.
    Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: There is no need for 
confidentiality treatment with this collection of information.
    Privacy Act Impact Assessment: No impact(s).
    Needs and Uses: The Commission revised this information collection 
to reflect the September 22, 2017, adoption of the Third Report and 
Order in MB Docket No. 13-249, FCC 17-119, In the Matter of 
Revitalization of AM Radio

[[Page 12275]]

Service (AMR Third R&O). Specifically, the AMR Third R&O removed 
certain requirements and associated burdens contained in 47 CFR 73.151, 
73.154, and 73.155. To the extent the revisions affect reporting or 
record-keeping requirements, they reduce those burdens for AM 
broadcasters operating with directional antenna arrays. The Commission 
received approval for the revised information collection requirements 
contained under this collection from the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB).
    In the 2015 AM revitalization proceeding, the FCC proposed 
streamlining certain technical requirements to assist AM broadcasters 
in providing radio service to consumers. For example, almost 40 percent 
of all AM broadcast stations must employ directional antenna arrays 
during some or all of the broadcast day in order to avoid interference 
with other AM stations. Maintaining a directional signal pattern can be 
technically complex, time-consuming, and expensive. Such stations are 
subject to a variety of rules requiring signal strength measurements 
and other engineering analyses to ensure compliance with their 
authorizations.
    In the AMR Third R&O, the FCC eliminated, clarified, or eased 
several of the rules governing AM stations using directional antenna 
arrays. First, the FCC revises 47 CFR 73.154(a) to relax the rule on 
submission of partial proofs of performance of directional AM antenna 
arrays by eliminating the requirement to take measurements on non-
monitored radials adjacent to monitored radials. Next, the FCC modified 
several rules pertaining to AM stations that use Method of Moments 
(MoM) models of directional array performance. MoM modeling allows 
broadcasters to verify antenna system performance through computer 
modeling, as opposed to sending engineers into the field to take field 
strength measurements. Thus, a proof using a MoM model is less 
expensive than taking field strength measurements of an AM station's 
directional pattern. Specifically, the FCC: (1) Revised 47 CFR 
73.151(c)(1)(ix) to eliminate the requirement of obtaining a registered 
surveyor's certification, provided that no new towers are being added 
to an existing AM array and the tower geometry is not changed; (2) 
added 47 CFR 73.151(c)(1)(x) to extend the exemption from having to 
file a new proof with the FCC to any AM tower modification that does 
not affect the modeled values used in the previously submitted license 
proof; (3) revised 47 CFR 73.151(c)(3) to retain the current 
requirement for submission of reference field strength measurements in 
the initial license application, but to eliminate the requirement to 
submit additional reference field strength measurements in subsequent 
license applications; and (4) revised 47 CFR 73.155 to eliminate the 
requirement for biennial recertification of the performance of a 
directional pattern licensed pursuant to a MoM proof, except when 
system components have been repaired or replaced.

Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2018-05741 Filed 3-20-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P

12274 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 21, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

retailers, not States or tribes, nor does ‘‘Sugarcane, molasses’’ to the table in date of those information collection
this action alter the relationships or paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows: requirements.
distribution of power and
§ 180.368 Metolachlor; tolerances for Synopsis
responsibilities established by Congress
residues. As required by the Paperwork
in the preemption provisions of FFDCA
section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency * * * * * Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507),
has determined that this action will not (a)(2) * * * the FCC is notifying the public that it
have a substantial direct effect on States received OMB approval on March 8,
Parts per 2018, for the information collection
or tribal governments, on the Commodity million
relationship between the national requirements contained in 47 CFR
government and the States or tribal 73.151(c)(1)(ix) and (x) and (c)(3), 47
governments, or on the distribution of * * * * * CFR 73.154(a), and 47 CFR 73.155, as
power and responsibilities among the amended, in the Commission’s Report
various levels of government or between Sugarcane, cane .......................... 0.20 and Order, FCC 17–119. Under 5 CFR
the Federal Government and Indian Sugarcane, molasses ................... 1.5 part 1320, an agency may not conduct
tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined or sponsor a collection of information
* * * * * unless it displays a current, valid OMB
that Executive Order 13132, entitled
‘‘Federalism’’ (64 FR 43255, August 10, Control Number. No person shall be
1999) and Executive Order 13175, subject to any penalty for failing to
* * * * *
entitled ‘‘Consultation and Coordination [FR Doc. 2018–05641 Filed 3–20–18; 8:45 am]
comply with a collection of information
with Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply that does not display a current, valid
to this action. In addition, this action OMB Control Number. The OMB
does not impose any enforceable duty or Control Number is 3060–0991. The
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS foregoing notice is required by the
contain any unfunded mandate as
COMMISSION Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995,
described under Title II of the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 47 CFR Part 73 Public Law 104–13, October 1, 1995,
1501 et seq.). and 44 U.S.C. 3507.
This action does not involve any [MB Docket No. 13–249; FCC 17–119] The total annual reporting burdens
technical standards that would require and costs for the respondents are as
Agency consideration of voluntary Revitalization of the AM Radio Service follows:
consensus standards pursuant to section AGENCY: Federal Communications OMB Control Number: 3060–0991.
12(d) of the National Technology Commission. OMB Approval Date: March 8, 2018.
Transfer and Advancement Act ACTION: Final rule; announcement of
OMB Expiration Date: March 31,
(NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note). effective date. 2021.
Title: AM Measurement Data.
VII. Congressional Review Act SUMMARY: In this document, the Federal Form Number: N/A.
Pursuant to the Congressional Review Communications Commission Respondents: Business or other for-
Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will (Commission) announces that the Office profit entities.
submit a report containing this rule and of Management and Budget (OMB) has Number of Respondents and
other required information to the U.S. approved, for a period of three years, Responses: 1,800 respondents; 3,135
Senate, the U.S. House of information collection requirements responses.
Representatives, and the Comptroller adopted in the Commission’s Third Estimated Time per Response: 0.50
General of the United States prior to Report and Order, FCC 17–119. This hours–25 hours.
publication of the rule in the Federal document is consistent with the Third Frequency of Response:
Register. This action is not a ‘‘major Report and Order, which stated that the Recordkeeping requirement, Third Party
rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). Commission would publish a document disclosure requirement, On occasion
in the Federal Register announcing reporting requirement.
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180 Obligation To Respond: Required to
OMB approval and the effective date of
Environmental protection, the rules. obtain or retain benefits. The statutory
Administrative practice and procedure, authority for this collection of
DATES: The rule amendments to 47 CFR
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides information is contained in Sections
73.151(c)(1)(ix) and (x) and (c)(3), 47
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping 151, 152, 154(i), 303, and 307 of the
CFR 73.154(a), and 47 CFR 73.155,
requirements. Communications Act of 1934, as
published at 82 FR 51161, November 3,
Dated: February 28, 2018. amended.
2017, are effective on March 21, 2018.
Michael L. Goodis,
Total Annual Burden: 20,200 hours.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Total Annual Cost: $1,131,500.
Director, Registration Division, Office of Cathy Williams by email at Nature and Extent of Confidentiality:
Pesticide Programs. Cathy.Williams@fcc.gov and telephone There is no need for confidentiality
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is at (202) 418–2918. treatment with this collection of
amended as follows: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This information.
document announces that, on March 8, Privacy Act Impact Assessment: No
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PART 180—[AMENDED] 2018, OMB approved information impact(s).
■ 1. The authority citation for part 180 collection requirements contained in the Needs and Uses: The Commission
continues to read as follows: Commission’s Report and Order, FCC revised this information collection to
17–119, published at 82 FR 51161. The reflect the September 22, 2017, adoption
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371. OMB Control Number is 3060–0991. of the Third Report and Order in MB
■ 2. In § 180.368, add alphabetically The Commission publishes this notice Docket No. 13–249, FCC 17–119, In the
entries for ‘‘Sugarcane, cane’’ and as an announcement of the effective Matter of Revitalization of AM Radio

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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 21, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 12275

Service (AMR Third R&O). Specifically, requirement for submission of reference Stamp Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
the AMR Third R&O removed certain field strength measurements in the Service, Department of the Interior,
requirements and associated burdens initial license application, but to MS:MB, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls
contained in 47 CFR 73.151, 73.154, and eliminate the requirement to submit Church, VA 22041–3803; (703) 358–
73.155. To the extent the revisions affect additional reference field strength 2145; suzanne_fellows@fws.gov.
reporting or record-keeping measurements in subsequent license SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
requirements, they reduce those applications; and (4) revised 47 CFR
burdens for AM broadcasters operating 73.155 to eliminate the requirement for Background
with directional antenna arrays. The biennial recertification of the On March 16, 1934, Congress passed,
Commission received approval for the performance of a directional pattern and President Franklin D. Roosevelt
revised information collection licensed pursuant to a MoM proof, signed, the Migratory Bird Hunting
requirements contained under this except when system components have Stamp Act. Popularly known as the
collection from the Office of been repaired or replaced. Duck Stamp Act, it required all
Management and Budget (OMB). Federal Communications Commission. waterfowl hunters 16 years or older to
In the 2015 AM revitalization buy a stamp annually. The revenue
Marlene H. Dortch,
proceeding, the FCC proposed generated from the sale of the stamp is
Secretary.
streamlining certain technical used to buy or lease waterfowl habitat.
requirements to assist AM broadcasters [FR Doc. 2018–05741 Filed 3–20–18; 8:45 am] Since its enactment, the Federal Duck
in providing radio service to consumers. BILLING CODE 6712–01–P Stamp Program has become
For example, almost 40 percent of all internationally known as one of the
AM broadcast stations must employ most popular and successful
directional antenna arrays during some DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR conservation programs ever initiated.
or all of the broadcast day in order to Today, some 1.5 million stamps are sold
avoid interference with other AM Fish and Wildlife Service each year and, as of 2017, Federal Duck
stations. Maintaining a directional Stamps have generated more than $1
signal pattern can be technically 50 CFR Part 91 billion for the preservation of
complex, time-consuming, and [Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2015–0161; approximately 6 million acres of
expensive. Such stations are subject to FXMB 12330900000//189//FF09M13200] waterfowl habitat in the United States.
a variety of rules requiring signal Numerous other birds, mammals, fish,
RIN 1018–BB23
strength measurements and other reptiles, and amphibians have similarly
engineering analyses to ensure Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and prospered because of habitat
compliance with their authorizations. Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) conservation made possible by the
In the AMR Third R&O, the FCC Contest Regulations program. Many of the Nation’s
eliminated, clarified, or eased several of endangered and threatened species find
the rules governing AM stations using AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, food or shelter on refuges preserved by
directional antenna arrays. First, the Interior. Duck Stamp funds. Moreover, protected
FCC revises 47 CFR 73.154(a) to relax ACTION: Final rule. wetlands help dissipate storm water
the rule on submission of partial proofs runoff, purify water supplies, store flood
of performance of directional AM SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife water, and nourish fish hatchlings
antenna arrays by eliminating the Service (Service or we) is revising important for sport and commercial
requirement to take measurements on regulations governing the annual fishermen.
non-monitored radials adjacent to Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and The first Federal Duck Stamp was
monitored radials. Next, the FCC Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) designed by Jay N. ‘‘Ding’’ Darling, a
modified several rules pertaining to AM Contest, also known as the Federal Duck nationally known political cartoonist for
stations that use Method of Moments Stamp Contest (Contest). We are the Des Moines Register and a noted
(MoM) models of directional array updating our contact information, hunter and wildlife conservationist. In
performance. MoM modeling allows updating the common and scientific subsequent years, noted wildlife artists
broadcasters to verify antenna system names of species on our list of Contest were asked to submit designs. The first
performance through computer design subjects, correcting minor Federal Duck Stamp Contest was
modeling, as opposed to sending grammar errors, making changes to opened in 1949 to any U.S. artist who
engineers into the field to take field recognize technological advances in wished to enter. Regulations governing
strength measurements. Thus, a proof stamp design and printing, and the Contest appear at 50 CFR part 91.
using a MoM model is less expensive instituting changes to design elements To select each year’s design, a panel
than taking field strength measurements and judging requirements specific to the of noted art, waterfowl, and philatelic
of an AM station’s directional pattern. 2018 Contest. authorities is appointed by the Secretary
Specifically, the FCC: (1) Revised 47 DATES: This rule is effective March 21, of the Interior (Secretary). Winners
CFR 73.151(c)(1)(ix) to eliminate the 2018. receive no compensation for their work
requirement of obtaining a registered ADDRESSES: You can view the 2018 except for a pane of their stamps signed
surveyor’s certification, provided that Contest Artist Brochure by one of the by the Secretary. However, artists
no new towers are being added to an following methods: maintain the copyright to their artwork
existing AM array and the tower • Duck Stamp Contest and Event and may sell prints of their designs,
geometry is not changed; (2) added 47 Information: https://www.fws.gov/birds/ which are sought by hunters,
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CFR 73.151(c)(1)(x) to extend the get-involved/duck-stamp/duck-stamp- conservationists, and art collectors.
exemption from having to file a new contest-and-event-information.php. An annual rules brochure is
proof with the FCC to any AM tower • Request a copy by contacting the published to announce the Contest and
modification that does not affect the person listed under FOR FURTHER provide artists with official entry forms,
modeled values used in the previously INFORMATION CONTACT. a list of five or fewer eligible species
submitted license proof; (3) revised 47 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: that may be depicted, and instructions
CFR 73.151(c)(3) to retain the current Suzanne D. Fellows, Federal Duck for submitting entries. Any changes to

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Document Created: 2018-03-21 00:45:27
Document Modified: 2018-03-21 00:45:27

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 rule amendments to 47 CFR 73.151(c)(1)(ix) and (x) and (c)(3), 47 CFR 73.154(a), and 47 CFR 73.155, published at 82 FR 51161, November 3, 2017, are effective on March 21, 2018.
Contact		Cathy Williams by email at [email protected] and telephone at (202) 418-2918.
FR Citation		83 FR 12274