On April 25, 2007, the Commission
adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), In the Matter of
the Commission's Third Periodic Review of the Commission's Rules
and Policies Affecting the Conversion to Digital Television, MB
Docket No. 07-91, FCC 07-70. This is a review of the transition of
the nation's broadcast television system from analog to digital
television. Congress has mandated that after February 17, 20098,
full-power television broadcast stations must transmit only digital
signals and may not use analog signals. This NPRM among other
things proposes to require all full-power television stations to
file a FCC Form 387 with the Commission detailing their transition
status.
The DTV transition this
collection is associated with affects virtually every segment of
the television industry and every American who watches television.
Congress has mandated that after February 17, 2009, full-power
television broadcast stations must transmit only digital signals
and may no longer transmit analog signals. The Commission has no
discretion to waive or change this statutory deadline. These
information collection requirements are critical to ensure that
full-power television broadcast stations meet their statutory
responsibilities and can begin operations on their final,
post-transition (digital) channels by their construction deadlines.
Stations that are not ready to commence digital operations upon
expiration of the statutory transition deadline may be forced to go
dark, potentially resulting in significant loss of television
service to the American public and significant harm to the
broadcast TV industry and the U.S. economy. In addition, the DTV
transition will enable the recovery of spectrum for critically
important public safety needs and new wireless services. The
Commission also notes that the public and OMB have had the
opportunity to review this collection at the NPRM stage and that
this collection, as adopted, has not been changed since their
previous submission at the NPRM stage. Emergency OMB approval is
necessary for this collection to ensure that full power television
stations are able to complete their transition from analog to
digital service by February 17, 2009. For stations that must apply
for a construction permit to build their post-transition
facilities, it is essential that the procedures and forms be
effective and available for filing no later than January 2, 2008 to
afford adequate time for ordering equipment and scheduling
construction in time to meet this deadline. Because these forms
have previously been submitted to OMB and because any delay can
result in harm to television stations, and, in turn, to their
viewers, we find that there is good cause to expedite the effective
date of this rule and obtain emergency PRA approval from OMB.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Form 387 Digital TV Transition Status Report
dtv emergency letter.3060-1105.doc
Digital TV Transition Status Report