Broadcasting Board of Governors – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Broadcasting Board of Governors is revising its regulations to clarify the practical meaning and impact of the statutory firewall contained within the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994, as amended, upon Agency operations. Consistent with this action, this rule makes appropriate conforming changes.

The U.S. Agency for Global Media's (USAGM) Board of Governors (Board) will be meeting at the time and location listed above. The Board will vote on a consent agenda consisting of the minutes of its June 5, 2019 meeting, a resolution honoring the 65th anniversary of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Ukrainian Service, and a resolution for David Burke Distinguished Journalism Award. The Board will receive a report from the USAGM's Chief Executive Officer and Director. This meeting will be available for public observation via streamed webcast, both live and on-demand, on the agency's public website at www.usagm.gov. Information regarding this meeting, including any updates or adjustments to its starting time, can also be found on the agency's public website. The public may also attend this meeting in person at the address listed above as seating capacity permits. Members of the public seeking to attend the meeting in person must register at https:// usagmboardmeetingseptember2019.eventbrite.com by 12:00 p.m. (EDT) on September 10. For more information, please contact USAGM Public Affairs at (202) 203-4400 or by email at pubaff@usagm.gov.

The U.S. Agency for Global Media's (USAGM) Board of Governors (Board) will be meeting at the time and location listed above. The Board will vote on a consent agenda consisting of the minutes of its November 14, 2018 meeting, a resolution honoring the 25th anniversary of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Balkan Service, and USAGM Smith- Mundt Guidelines. The Board will receive a report from the USAGM's Chief Executive Officer and Director. This meeting will be available for public observation via streamed webcast, both live and on-demand, on the agency's public website at www.usagm.gov. Information regarding this meeting, including any updates or adjustments to its starting time, can also be found on the agency's public website. The public may also attend this meeting in person at the address listed above as seating capacity permits. Members of the public seeking to attend the meeting in person must register at https:// bbgboardmeetingmarch2019.eventbrite.com by 12:00 p.m. (ET) on March 5. For more information, please contact USAGM Public Affairs at (202) 203- 4400 or by email at pubaff@usagm.gov.

The Broadcasting Board of Governors (Board) will be meeting at the time and location listed above. The Board will vote on a consent agenda consisting of the minutes of its November 15, 2017 meeting, a resolution honoring the 75th anniversary of Voice of America's (VOA) Serbian Service, a resolution honoring the 60th anniversary of VOA's Bangla Service, a resolution honoring the fifth anniversary of VOA's Bambara Service, a resolution honoring the 65th anniversary of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's (RFE/RL) Azerbaijani ServiceAzadliq Radiosu, a resolution honoring the 65th anniversary of RFE/RL's Russian Service, and a resolution honoring the 65th anniversary of RFE/RL's Turkmen Service. The Board will receive a report from the Chief Executive Officer and Director of BBG. This meeting will be available for public observation via streamed webcast, both live and on-demand, on the agency's public website at www.bbg.gov. Information regarding this meeting, including any updates or adjustments to its starting time, can also be found on the agency's public website. The public may also attend this meeting in person at the address listed above as seating capacity permits. Members of the public seeking to attend the meeting in person must register at https:// bbgboardmeetingnmarch2018.eventbrite.com by 12:00 p.m. (ET) on March 13. For more information, please contact BBG Public Affairs at (202) 203-4400 or by email at pubaff@bbg.gov.

The Broadcasting Board of Governors (Board) will be meeting at the time and location listed above. The Board will vote on a consent agenda consisting of the minutes of its June 14, 2017 meeting. The Board will receive a report from the Chief Executive Officer and Director of BBG. This meeting will be available for public observation via streamed webcast, both live and on-demand, on the agency's public Web site at www.bbg.gov. Information regarding this meeting, including any updates or adjustments to its starting time, can also be found on the agency's public Web site. The public may also attend this meeting in person at the address listed above as seating capacity permits. Members of the public seeking to attend the meeting in person must register at https:// bbgboardmeetingaugust2017.eventbrite.com by 12:00 p.m. (EDT) on August 29. For more information, please contact BBG Public Affairs at (202) 203-4400 or by email at pubaff@bbg.gov.

The Broadcasting Board of Governors (Board) will be meeting at the time and location listed above. The Board will vote on a consent agenda consisting of the minutes of its April 6, 2017 meeting, a resolution honoring Voice of America's (VOA) Swahili Service 55th anniversary, a resolution honoring VOA's Afghanistan Service 35th anniversary, a resolution honoring VOA's Kurdish Service 25th anniversary, and a resolution honoring Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's North Caucasus 15th anniversary. The Board will receive a report from the Chief Executive Officer and Director of BBG. This meeting will be available for public observation via streamed webcast, both live and on-demand, on the agency's public Web site at www.bbg.gov. Information regarding this meeting, including any updates or adjustments to its starting time, can also be found on the agency's public Web site. The public may also attend this meeting in person at the address listed above as seating capacity permits. Members of the public seeking to attend the meeting in person must register at https:// bbgboardmeetingjune2017.eventbrite.com by 12:00 p.m. (EDT) on June 13. For more information, please contact BBG Public Affairs at (202) 203- 4400 or by email at pubaff@bbg.gov.

The Broadcasting Board of Governors (Board) will be meeting at the time and location listed above. The Board will vote on a consent agenda consisting of the minutes of its November 30, 2016 meeting, a resolution honoring Voice of America's (VOA) 75th anniversary, a resolution honoring VOA's Russian Service 70th anniversary, a resolution honoring VOA's Somali Service 10th anniversary, a resolution honoring Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Afghan Service 15th anniversary, and a resolution honoring Middle East Broadcasting Networks' Radio Sawa 15th anniversary. The Board will receive a report from the Chief Executive Officer and Director of BBG. This meeting will be available for public observation via streamed webcast, both live and on-demand, on the agency's public Web site at www.bbg.gov. Information regarding this meeting, including any updates or adjustments to its starting time, can also be found on the agency's public Web site. The public may also attend this meeting in person at the address listed above as seating capacity permits. Members of the public seeking to attend the meeting in person must register at https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/meeting-of-the-broadcasting-board-of-gov ernors- april-6-100-pm-tickets-32922450937 by 12:00 p.m. (EDT) on April 5. For more information, please contact BBG Public Affairs at (202) 203-4400 or by email at pubaff@bbg.gov.

The Broadcasting Board of Governors (Board) will be meeting at the time and location listed above. The Board will vote on a consent agenda consisting of the minutes of its June 23, 2016 meeting, a resolution honoring the 10th anniversary of Voice of America's (VOA) Deewa Service, a resolution honoring the 20th anniversary of VOA's broadcasts in Afan Oromo and Tigrigna, a resolution honoring the 20th anniversary of VOA's broadcasts in Kirundi and Kinyarwanda, and a resolution honoring the 20th anniversary of Radio Free Asia. The Board will receive a report from the Chief Executive Officer and Director of BBG. This meeting will be available for public observation via streamed webcast, both live and on-demand, on the agency's public Web site at www.bbg.gov. Information regarding this meeting, including any updates or adjustments to its starting time, can also be found on the agency's public Web site. The public may also attend this meeting in person at the address listed above as seating capacity permits. Members of the public seeking to attend the meeting in person must register at https://bbgboardmeetingsept2016.eventbrite.com by 12:00 p.m. (EDT) on September 27. For more information, please contact BBG Public Affairs at (202) 203-4400 or by email at pubaff@bbg.gov.

The Broadcasting Board of Governors (Board) will be meeting at the time and location listed above. The Board will vote on a consent agenda consisting of the minutes of its April 20, 2016 meeting, a resolution honoring the 65th anniversary of Voice of America's (VOA) Armenian Service, a resolution honoring the 65th anniversary of VOA's Georgian Service, a resolution honoring the 20th anniversary of VOA's Bosnian Service, and a resolution honoring the 15th anniversary of Radio the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Balkan Service's Macedonian Unit. The Board will receive a report from the Chief Executive Officer and Director of BBG. The Board will also hear from representatives of the BBG's networks regarding the BBG's impact model, including examples or areas where BBG has had impact through its journalism as well as impact as a driving ethos for BBG's journalism. This meeting will be available for public observation via streamed webcast, both live and on-demand, on the agency's public Web site at www.bbg.gov. Information regarding this meeting, including any updates or adjustments to its starting time, can also be found on the agency's public Web site. The public may also attend this meeting in person at the address listed above as seating capacity permits. Members of the public seeking to attend the meeting in person must register at https:// bbgboardmeetingjune2016.eventbrite.com by 12:00 p.m. (EDT) on June 22. For more information, please contact BBG Public Affairs at (202) 203- 4400 or by email at pubaff@bbg.gov.

In accordance with Section 743 of Division C of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) is publishing this notice to advise the public of the availability of its FY-2014 Service Contract Analysis and FY-2015 Service Contract Inventory. They are available on the BBG Web site, through the following link: https://www.bbg.gov/about- the-agency/research-reports/other/bbg-service-contract-invent ory/. The service contract inventory provides information on service contract actions over $25,000 made in FY-2015. The information is organized by function to show how contracted resources are distributed throughout the Agency. The inventory has been developed in accordance with guidance on service contract inventories issued on November 5, 2010 and on December 19, 2011 by the Office of Management and Budget, Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP).

The Broadcasting Board of Governors (Board) will be meeting at the time and location listed above. The Board will vote on a consent agenda consisting of the minutes of its December 16, 2015 meeting, a resolution honoring Voice of America's (VOA) stringer Almigdad Mojalli, and a resolution honoring the 30th anniversary of VOA's Creole Service. The Board will receive a report from the Chief Executive Officer and Director of BBG. The Board will also hear from the BBG networks regarding enhanced coordination efforts. This meeting will be available for public observation via streamed webcast, both live and on-demand, on the agency's public Web site at www.bbg.gov. Information regarding this meeting, including any updates or adjustments to its starting time, can also be found on the agency's public Web site. The public may also attend this meeting in person at the address listed above as seating capacity permits. Members of the public seeking to attend the meeting in person must register at https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/meeting-of-the-broadcasting-board-of-gov ernors- tickets-21487255961 by 12:00 p.m. (EST) on February 25. For more information, please contact BBG Public Affairs at (202) 203-4400 or by email at pubaff@bbg.gov.

The Broadcasting Board of Governors (Board) previously announced that it will be meeting at the time and location listed above. The subject matter of the meeting has been changed to add the discussion and consideration of Internet Freedom framework and governance documents. The prompt and orderly conduct of business required this change and no earlier announcement was possible. This meeting will be available for public observation via streamed webcast, both live and on-demand, on the agency's public Web site at www.bbg.gov. Information regarding this meeting, including any updates or adjustments to its starting time, can also be found on the agency's public Web site. The public may also attend this meeting in person at the address listed above as seating capacity permits. Members of the public seeking to attend the meeting in person must register at https:// bbgboardmeetingdecember2015.eventbrite.com by 12:00 p.m. (EST) on December 15. For more information, please contact BBG Public Affairs at (202) 203-4400 or by email at pubaff@bbg.gov.

The Broadcasting Board of Governors (Board) will be meeting at the time and location listed above. The Board will vote on a consent agenda consisting of the minutes of its July 1, 2015 meeting, a resolution honoring the 65th anniversary of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty broadcasting in the Romanian language to Romania and Moldova, a resolution honoring the 60th anniversary of Voice of America's Khmer Service, a resolution on 2015 David Burke Distinguished Journalism Awards, and a resolution on BBG meeting dates in 2016. The Board will receive a report from Governor Matt Armstrong on his recent trip and a report from the Chief Executive Officer and Director of BBG. The Board will also receive a review of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks. The Board will convene a panel discussion featuring Under Secretary Richard Stengel and BBG Chief Executive Officer and Director John Lansing. This meeting will be available for public observation via streamed webcast, both live and on-demand, on the agency's public Web site at www.bbg.gov. Information regarding this meeting, including any updates or adjustments to its starting time, can also be found on the agency's public Web site. The public may also attend this meeting in person at the address listed above as seating capacity permits. Members of the public seeking to attend the meeting in person must register at https:// bbgboardmeetingoctober2015.eventbrite.com by 12:00 p.m. (EDT) on October 7. For more information, please contact BBG Public Affairs at (202) 203-4400 or by email at pubaff@bbg.gov.

This notice advises interested persons that the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (``PBGC'') has received a request from the Service Employees International Union Local 1 Cleveland Pension Plan for approval of a plan amendment providing for special withdrawal liability rules. Under section 4203(f) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and PBGC's regulation on Extension of Special Withdrawal Liability Rules, a multiemployer pension plan may, with PBGC approval, be amended to provide for special withdrawal liability rules similar to those that apply to the construction and entertainment industries. Such approval is granted only if PBGC determines that the rules apply to an industry with characteristics that make use of the special rules appropriate and that the rules will not pose a significant risk to the pension insurance system. Before granting an approval, PBGC's regulations require PBGC to give interested persons an opportunity to comment on the request. The purpose of this notice is to advise interested persons of the request and to solicit their views for it.

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) is proposing to amend its regulation on Annual Financial and Actuarial Information Reporting to codify provisions of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act and the Highway Transportation and Funding Act of 2014 and related guidance that affect reporting under ERISA section 4010. In addition, PBGC is proposing to limit the reporting waiver under the current regulation tied to aggregate plan underfunding of $15 million or less to smaller plans and to add reporting waivers for plans that must file solely on the basis of either a statutory lien resulting from missed contributions over $1 million or outstanding minimum funding waivers exceeding the same amount (provided the missed contributions or funding waivers were previously reported to PBGC). The proposed rule also makes some technical changes.

The Broadcasting Board of Governors (Board) will be meeting at the time and location listed above. The Board will vote on a consent agenda consisting of the minutes of its April 29, 2015 meeting, a resolution honoring 65th anniversary of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and 20th anniversary of its move to Prague, Czech Republic, a resolution honoring Radio Marti's 30th anniversary, a resolution honoring David Ensor for his service to the Voice of America, and a resolution updating the Board's policy regarding non-disclosure of deliberative information. The Board will receive a report from the Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director of BBG. The Board will also receive a review of RFE/RL. This meeting will be available for public observation via streamed webcast, both live and on-demand, on the agency's public Web site at www.bbg.gov. Information regarding this meeting, including any updates or adjustments to its starting time, can also be found on the agency's public Web site. The public may also attend this meeting in person at the address listed above as seating capacity permits. Members of the public seeking to attend the meeting in person must register at https:// bbgboardmeetingjuly2015.eventbrite.com by 12 p.m. (EDT) on June 26. For more information, please contact BBG Public Affairs at (202) 203-4400 or by email at pubaff@bbg.gov.

The Broadcasting Board of Governors (Board) will be meeting at the time and location listed above. The Board will vote on a consent agenda consisting of the minutes of its December 18, 2014 meeting, a resolution honoring Michael Meehan for his service on the Board, and a resolution on revised BBG meeting dates in 2015. The Board will also receive a review of the Voice of America. This meeting will be available for public observation via streamed webcast, both live and on-demand, on the agency's public Web site at www.bbg.gov. Information regarding this meeting, including any updates or adjustments to its starting time, can also be found on the agency's public Web site. The public may also attend this meeting in person at the address listed above as seating capacity permits. Members of the public seeking to attend the meeting in person must register at https:// bbgboardmeetingfebruary2015.eventbrite.com by 12:00 p.m. (EST) on February 17. For more information, please contact BBG Public Affairs at (202) 203-4400 or by email at pubaff@bbg.gov.

The members of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) will meet in a special session to further discuss and consider the Fiscal Year 2016 budget. According to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-11, Section 22.1, all agency budgetary materials and data are considered confidential prior to the President submitting a budget to Congress. In accordance with section 22.5 of Circular A-11, the BBG has determined that its meeting should be closed to public observation pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(9)(B). In accordance with the Government in the Sunshine Act and BBG policies, the meeting will be recorded and a transcript of the proceedings, subject to the redaction of information protected by 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(9)(B), will be made available to the public. The publicly- releasable transcript will be available for download at www.bbg.gov within 21 days of the date of the meeting. Information regarding member votes to close the meeting and expected attendees can also be found on the Agency's public Web site.

The members of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) will meet in a special session, to be conducted telephonically, to discuss the results of a search effort for potential candidates for the position the Chief Executive Officer of U.S. International Media. This meeting will be closed to public observation pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(6) in order to protect the privacy interests of candidates considered but not selected for the position. In accordance with the Government in the Sunshine Act and BBG policies, the meeting will be recorded and a transcript of the proceedings, subject to the redaction of information protected by 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(6), will be made available to the public. The publicly-releasable transcript will be available for download at www.bbg.gov within 21 days of the date of the meeting. Information regarding member votes to close the meeting and expected attendees can also be found on the Agency's public Web site.

The members of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) will meet in a special session, to be conducted telephonically, to discuss and approve a budget submission for Fiscal Year 2016. According to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-11, Section 22.1, all agency budgetary materials and data are considered confidential prior to the President submitting a budget to Congress. In accordance with section 22.5 of Circular A-11, the BBG has determined that its meeting should be closed to public observation pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(9)(B). In accordance with the Government in the Sunshine Act and BBG policies, the meeting will be recorded and a transcript of the proceedings, subject to the redaction of information protected by 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(9)(B), will be made available to the public. The publicly-releasable transcript will be available for download at www.bbg.gov within 21 days of the date of the meeting. Information regarding member votes to close the meeting and expected attendees can also be found on the Agency's public Web site.

The Broadcasting Board of Governors (Board) will be meeting at the time and location listed above. The Board will vote on a consent agenda consisting of the minutes of its June 20, 2014 meeting and a resolution to change the BBG meeting date in October 2014. The Board will discuss and vote on FY 2015 regional strategies based on this year's strategy review and consider establishing new Board special committees. The Board will also receive a report by its Special Committee on the Future of Shortwave Broadcasting. Finally, the Board will receive a presentation providing an overview of Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty and engage in a conversation with the Deputy National Security Adviser for Strategic Communication. This meeting will also be available for public observation via streamed webcast, both live and on-demand, on the agency's public Web site at www.bbg.gov. Information regarding this meeting, including any updates or adjustments to its starting time, can also be found on the agency's public Web site. The public may also attend this meeting in person at the address listed above as seating capacity permits. Members of the public seeking to attend the meeting in person must register at https:// bbgboardmeetingaugust2014.eventbrite.com by 12:00 p.m. (EDT) on August 12. For more information, please contact BBG Public Affairs at (202) 203-4400 or by email at pubaff@bbg.gov.

In accordance with Section 743 of Division C of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) is publishing this notice to instruct the public of the availability of its FY-2012 Service Contract Analysis and FY 2013 Service Contract Inventory. They are available on the BBG Internet site at https://www.bbg.gov/about-the-agency/research- reports/other/bbg-service-contract-inventory/. The service contract inventory provides information on service contract actions over $25,000 made in FY-2013. The information is organized by function to show how contracted resources are distributed throughout the Agency. The inventory has been developed in accordance with guidance on service contract inventories issued on November 5, 2010 and on December 19, 2011 by the Office of Management and Budget, Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP).