This non-substantial change request is
being submitted to OMB for approval for changes made to FCC Form
388. These changes to the form will more easily allow stations to
report their education about Service Loss. Therefore, a Service
Loss section has been added to Form 388. The information collection
requirements contained in collection 3060-1115 now applies only to
stations that have not completed their full, final DTV facility.
Without these changes to Form 388, it would be more difficult for
stations to report on their Service Loss notices and for the
Commission to verify that the required Service Loss notices were
done.
On February 11, 2009,
the DTV Delay Act was signed by the President and enacted into law,
extending the nationwide DTV transition date from February 17 until
June 12, 2009. As a result, after June 12, 2009, full-power
television broadcast stations must transmit only digital signals,
and may no longer transmit analog signals, except for limited
analog nightlight service. The DTV Delay Act directs the
Commission to take any actions necessary or appropriate to
implement the provisions, and carry out the purposes of the DTV
Delay Act, and to do so within 30 days. Congress extended the
transition date in order to permit analog service to continue until
consumers have had additional time to prepare. But Congress also
directed the Commission to provide flexibility for stations wanting
to transition prior to the new date. Stations may have made
extensive preparations for a February 17 digital transition and
some may have difficulty altering their commitments at this time.
The Commissions challenge is to provide opportunities for some
stations to end analog broadcasting early without sacrificing the
goal of giving consumers additional time to prepare. On February
20, 2009, the Commission adopted and released a Second Report and
Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 09-11) in MB Docket
No. 09-17 to implement the DTV Delay Act. The Commissions
requirements and proposals are influenced by its experience
planning for the partial transition by one-third of the full power
stations on or just before February 17, 2009 (the previous
nationwide transition date). The Commission has found that advance
planning and station commitment to nightlight service and public
interest outreach contribute to a smoother transition. Because
these requirements must take effect on or before March 13, 2009
the statutory deadline for implementing the DTV Delay Act, we
request expedited OMB approval by March 11, 2009.
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.