All-Digital AM Broadcasting, Revitalization of the AM Radio Service, 22621-22622 [2021-08424]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 81 / Thursday, April 29, 2021 / Rules and Regulations Authority: 33 U.S.C. 3901–3914; 40 CFR part 35. Michael S. Regan, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2021–08865 Filed 4–28–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 73 [MB Docket Nos. 19–311, 13–249; FCC 20– 154; FRS 22220] All-Digital AM Broadcasting, Revitalization of the AM Radio Service Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule; announcement of effective date. AGENCY: Synopsis In this document, the Commission announces that the Office of Management and Budget has approved a revision to the information collection requirements under OMB Control Number 3060–1034 associated with new or amended rules adopted in the Federal Communications Commission’s All-Digital AM Broadcasting Report and Order, FCC 20–154, governing the contents of alldigital notifications submitted using the Digital Notification Form, FCC Form 335–AM, and that compliance with these rules is now required. This document is consistent with the AllDigital AM Broadcasting Report and Order, which states that the Commission will publish a document in the Federal Register announcing the effective date for these new or amended rule sections and revise the rules accordingly. SUMMARY: The addition of 47 CFR 73.406, published at 85 FR 78022 on December 3, 2020, is effective April 29, 2021. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cathy Williams, Office of the Managing Director, Federal Communications Commission, at (202) 418–2918 or Cathy.Williams@fcc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document announces that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the information collection requirements in 47 CFR 73.406 on April 14, 2021. This rule section was adopted in the All-Digital AM Broadcasting Report and Order, FCC 20–154 (85 FR 78022, December 3, 2020). The Commission publishes this document as an announcement of the effective date for these new or amended rules. If you have any comments on the burden jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES DATES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:16 Apr 28, 2021 Jkt 253001 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 3.317, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, regarding OMB Control Number 3060–1034. Please include the OMB Control Number in your correspondence. The Commission will also accept your comments via email at PRA@fcc.gov. To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an email to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418–0530 (voice), (202) 418–0432 (TTY). As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507), the Commission is notifying the public that it received final OMB approval on April 14, 2021, for the information collection requirements contained in 47 CFR 73.406. 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 for the information collection requirements in 47 CFR 73.406 is 3060–1034. 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: 3060–1034. OMB Approval Date: April 14, 2021. OMB Expiration Date: April 30, 2024. Title: Digital Audio Broadcasting Systems and their Impact on the Terrestrial Radio Broadcast Service; Digital Notification, FCC Form 335. Form Number: FCC Form 335–AM. Respondents: Business or other forprofit entities. Number of Respondents and Responses: 270 respondents; 270 responses. Estimated Time per Response: 1 hour–8 hours. Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement. Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. Statutory authority for this information collection is contained in Sections 154(i), 303, 310, PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 22621 and 553 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Total Annual Burden: 490 hours. Total Annual Cost: $197,000. Privacy Act Impact Assessment: No impact(s). Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: There is no need for confidentiality with this collection of information. Needs and Uses: On October 27, 2020, the Commission released the All-Digital AM Broadcasting Report and Order, FCC 20–154, MB Dockets 19–311, 13– 249, where it adopted rules to allow AM radio stations, on a voluntary basis, to broadcast an all-digital signal using the HD radio in-band on-channel (IBOC) mode name MA3. This action benefits AM stations and their listeners by improving reception quality and listenable signal coverage in stations’ service areas and by advancing the Commission’s goal of improving the AM service, thereby helping to ensure the future of the service. AM broadcast station licensees are required to notify the Commission of a change to alldigital operations using Digital Notification Form, FCC Form 335–AM. Specifically pertaining to this Information Collection, in the AllDigital AM Broadcasting Report and Order, the Commission requires AM broadcast stations to electronically file a digital notification using the existing FCC Form 335–AM Digital Notification (or any successor notification form) to notify the Commission of the following changes: (1) The commencement of new all-digital operation; (2) an increase in nominal power of an all-digital AM station; or (3) a transition from core-only to enhanced operating mode. Although we direct broadcasters to use the current Form 335–AM for all-digital notifications, additional information is required for notification of AM alldigital operations specifically. Therefore, until the Form 335–AM is updated to display the new all-digital operation requirements, we direct filers to select ‘‘N/A’’ as appropriate within the form and submit an attachment containing the following information. These new all-digital AM notification requirements have been added to new § 73.406 of the Commission’s rules. (a) The type of notification (all-digital notification, increase in nominal power, reduction in nominal power, transition from core-only to enhanced, transition from enhanced to core-only, reversion from all-digital to hybrid or analog operation); (b) the date that new or modified alldigital operation will commence or has ceased; (c) a certification that the all-digital operations will conform to the relevant E:\FR\FM\29APR1.SGM 29APR1 22622 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 81 / Thursday, April 29, 2021 / Rules and Regulations nominal power and spectral emissions limits; (d) the nominal power of the alldigital station; (e) a certification that the all-digital station complies with all EAS requirements; and (f) if a notification of commencement of new all-digital service or a nominal power change, whether the station is operating in core-only or enhanced mode. The All-Digital AM Broadcasting Report and Order also revises and reorganizes the digital notification requirements formally contained in § 73.404(e) of the rules by removing § 73.404(e) and adding new § 73.406 notification. Federal Communications Commission. Marlene Dortch, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–08424 Filed 4–28–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 660 [RTID 0648–XA603] Fisheries off West Coast States; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Amendment 20 to the Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notification of agency decision. AGENCY: NMFS announces the approval of Amendment 20 to the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (Council) Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Amendment 20 modifies the preseason schedule for implementing annual management measures and moves the southern boundary of the Klamath Management Zone (KMZ) 5 nautical miles (nmi) (9.3 km) north of its current location. In addition, Amendment 20 updates outof-date language in the FMP. DATES: The amendment was approved on April 22, 2021. ADDRESSES: The amended FMP is available on the Council’s website (www.pcouncil.org). The final National Environmental Policy Act environmental assessment (EA) is available on the NMFS website at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west- jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:16 Apr 28, 2021 Jkt 253001 coast/laws-and-policies/west-coastsalmon-harvest-nepa-documents. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peggy Mundy at 206–526–4323. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The ocean salmon fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (3–200 nmi) (5.6–370.4 km) off Washington, Oregon, and California are managed under the FMP. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) requires that each regional fishery management council submit any FMP or plan amendment it prepares to NMFS for review and approval, disapproval, or partial approval by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary). The MSA also requires that NMFS, upon receiving an FMP or amendment, immediately publish a notification that the FMP or amendment is available for public review and comment. The Notice of Availability (NOA) for Amendment 20 was published in the Federal Register on February 9, 2021 (86 FR 8750), with a 60-day comment period that ended on April 12, 2021. In the NOA, NMFS also announced a draft EA analyzing the environmental impacts of the actions implemented under Amendment 20 was available for public review and comment. NMFS received three comments during the public comment period on the NOA. The comments all expressed concern about potential fishery impacts on salmon stocks of concern from the KMZ boundary change. However, upon review, and informed by the analysis of the Council’s Salmon Technical Team, NMFS concluded that any change in ocean salmon fishery impacts on salmon stocks of concern would be small and NMFS is not disapproving any part of Amendment 20 in response to these comments. NMFS summarized and responded to these comments under Comments and Responses, below. NMFS determined that Amendment 20 is consistent with the MSA and other applicable laws, and the Secretary of Commerce approved Amendment 20 on April 22, 2021. The February 9, 2021, NOA contains additional information on this action. No changes to Federal regulations are necessary to implement the Amendment. Amendment 20 was developed by the Council to address two primary issues: The preseason schedule for setting annual management measures, and the southern boundary of the KMZ in California. Under Amendment 20, the Council also recommended updating outdated language, typographical errors, and references. The Council adopted Amendment 20 at its September 2020 meeting. PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Preseason Schedule Amendment 20 changes the preseason schedule for NMFS to publish the annual management measures in the Federal Register. Under the previous schedule, NMFS published the annual management measures in the first week of May, which corresponds with the traditional May 1 start date for many ocean salmon fisheries. However, it has become increasingly challenging for the Council and NMFS to complete the necessary environmental and economic analyses and regulatory documentation following the April Council meeting in time for the Secretary of Commerce to approve and implement the Council’s annual recommendation by May 1. Amendment 20 changes the schedule such that NMFS will publish the annual management measures in the second or third week of May, with an anticipated effective date of May 16. The annual management measures will include expected salmon fisheries for March through early May of the following year (e.g., regulations for the 2021 fishing year will including management measures for fisheries in March through May of 2022), pending modification through inseason action as needed in response to updated stock abundance forecasts. This has been the practice for March and April salmon fisheries since at least 1994. KMZ Southern Boundary The Council uses management boundaries and zones to manage the ocean salmon fishery consistent with the objectives in the FMP. The KMZ is a long-standing management zone that has extended from Humbug Mountain, OR, to Horse Mountain, CA, since at least 1990. Amendment 20 moves the southern boundary of the KMZ to align the salmon management boundary with an existing management boundary in the groundfish fishery, and to allow for increased efficiency in salmon fishery operations. FMP Language Updates Amendment 20 updates the text of the FMP to reflect changes to management reference points that were previously implemented through a rulemaking (80 FR 19564, April 13, 2015) for Southern Oregon coastal Chinook salmon, Grays Harbor fall-run Chinook salmon, and Willapa Bay natural coho salmon stocks. The reference points included in that action have been used in salmon fishery management since the final rule implementing them was promulgated. Other updates to the FMP included in Amendment 20 include: Updates to reflect the 2013 merger of NMFS’ E:\FR\FM\29APR1.SGM 29APR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 81 (Thursday, April 29, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22621-22622]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-08424]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 73

[MB Docket Nos. 19-311, 13-249; FCC 20-154; FRS 22220]


All-Digital AM Broadcasting, Revitalization of the AM Radio 
Service

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule; announcement of effective date.

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

SUMMARY: In this document, the Commission announces that the Office of 
Management and Budget has approved a revision to the information 
collection requirements under OMB Control Number 3060-1034 associated 
with new or amended rules adopted in the Federal Communications 
Commission's All-Digital AM Broadcasting Report and Order, FCC 20-154, 
governing the contents of all-digital notifications submitted using the 
Digital Notification Form, FCC Form 335-AM, and that compliance with 
these rules is now required. This document is consistent with the All-
Digital AM Broadcasting Report and Order, which states that the 
Commission will publish a document in the Federal Register announcing 
the effective date for these new or amended rule sections and revise 
the rules accordingly.

DATES: The addition of 47 CFR 73.406, published at 85 FR 78022 on 
December 3, 2020, is effective April 29, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cathy Williams, Office of the Managing 
Director, Federal Communications Commission, at (202) 418-2918 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document announces that the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) approved the information collection 
requirements in 47 CFR 73.406 on April 14, 2021. This rule section was 
adopted in the All-Digital AM Broadcasting Report and Order, FCC 20-154 
(85 FR 78022, December 3, 2020). The Commission publishes this document 
as an announcement of the effective date for these new or amended 
rules. 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 3.317, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 
20554, regarding OMB Control Number 3060-1034. Please include the OMB 
Control Number in your correspondence. The Commission will also accept 
your comments via email at [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 Commission is notifying the public that it received final 
OMB approval on April 14, 2021, for the information collection 
requirements contained in 47 CFR 73.406. 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 for the information collection requirements in 47 CFR 
73.406 is 3060-1034.
    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: 3060-1034.
    OMB Approval Date: April 14, 2021.
    OMB Expiration Date: April 30, 2024.
    Title: Digital Audio Broadcasting Systems and their Impact on the 
Terrestrial Radio Broadcast Service; Digital Notification, FCC Form 
335.
    Form Number: FCC Form 335-AM.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities.
    Number of Respondents and Responses: 270 respondents; 270 
responses.
    Estimated Time per Response: 1 hour-8 hours.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement.
    Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. 
Statutory authority for this information collection is contained in 
Sections 154(i), 303, 310, and 553 of the Communications Act of 1934, 
as amended.
    Total Annual Burden: 490 hours.
    Total Annual Cost: $197,000.
    Privacy Act Impact Assessment: No impact(s).
    Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: There is no need for 
confidentiality with this collection of information.
    Needs and Uses: On October 27, 2020, the Commission released the 
All-Digital AM Broadcasting Report and Order, FCC 20-154, MB Dockets 
19-311, 13-249, where it adopted rules to allow AM radio stations, on a 
voluntary basis, to broadcast an all-digital signal using the HD radio 
in-band on-channel (IBOC) mode name MA3. This action benefits AM 
stations and their listeners by improving reception quality and 
listenable signal coverage in stations' service areas and by advancing 
the Commission's goal of improving the AM service, thereby helping to 
ensure the future of the service. AM broadcast station licensees are 
required to notify the Commission of a change to all- digital 
operations using Digital Notification Form, FCC Form 335-AM. 
Specifically pertaining to this Information Collection, in the All-
Digital AM Broadcasting Report and Order, the Commission requires AM 
broadcast stations to electronically file a digital notification using 
the existing FCC Form 335-AM Digital Notification (or any successor 
notification form) to notify the Commission of the following changes: 
(1) The commencement of new all-digital operation; (2) an increase in 
nominal power of an all-digital AM station; or (3) a transition from 
core-only to enhanced operating mode. Although we direct broadcasters 
to use the current Form 335-AM for all-digital notifications, 
additional information is required for notification of AM all-digital 
operations specifically. Therefore, until the Form 335-AM is updated to 
display the new all-digital operation requirements, we direct filers to 
select ``N/A'' as appropriate within the form and submit an attachment 
containing the following information. These new all-digital AM 
notification requirements have been added to new Sec.  73.406 of the 
Commission's rules.
    (a) The type of notification (all-digital notification, increase in 
nominal power, reduction in nominal power, transition from core-only to 
enhanced, transition from enhanced to core-only, reversion from all-
digital to hybrid or analog operation);
    (b) the date that new or modified all-digital operation will 
commence or has ceased;
    (c) a certification that the all-digital operations will conform to 
the relevant

[[Page 22622]]

nominal power and spectral emissions limits;
    (d) the nominal power of the all-digital station;
    (e) a certification that the all-digital station complies with all 
EAS requirements; and
    (f) if a notification of commencement of new all-digital service or 
a nominal power change, whether the station is operating in core-only 
or enhanced mode.
    The All-Digital AM Broadcasting Report and Order also revises and 
reorganizes the digital notification requirements formally contained in 
Sec.  73.404(e) of the rules by removing Sec.  73.404(e) and adding new 
Sec.  73.406 notification.

Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-08424 Filed 4-28-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
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