[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 217 (Monday, November 10, 1997)] [Notices] [Pages 60509-60510] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-29512] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Notice of Public Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission for Extension Under Delegated Authority 5 CFR 1320 Authority, Comments Requested. November 4, 1997. SUMMARY: The Federal Communications Commission, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid 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 (PRA) that does not display a valid control number. Comments are requested concerning: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Persons wishing to comment on this information collection should submit comments January 9, 1997. ADDRESSES: Direct all comments to Jerry Cowden, Federal Communications Commission, Room 240-B, 2000 M St., N.W., Washington, DC 20554, or via internet to [email protected]. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information or copies of the information collection(s) contact Jerry Cowden at 202-418-0447 or via internet at [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OMB Approval Number: 3060-0314. Title: 47 CFR 76.209 Fairness doctrine; personal attacks; political attacks. Form No.: N/A. Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection. Respondents: Businesses or other for-profit entities. Number of Respondents: 1,312. Estimated Time Per Response: 2-3 hours. Total Annual Burden: We estimate that there are approximately 525 cablecast personal attacks made on an annual basis which would require cable operators to comply with the notification requirements set forth in 76.209(b). The average burden for cable operators to comply with these notification requirements is estimated to be 2 hours per incident. 525 notifications of cablecast personal attacks x 2 hours=1,050 hours. We estimate that there are approximately 787 cablecast political editorials made on an annual basis which would require cable operators to comply with the notification requirements set forth in 76.209(d). The average burden for cable operators to comply with these notification requirements is estimated to be 3 hours per cablecast. 787 x 3 hours=2,361 hours. Total estimated annual burden to respondents=1,050+2,361=3,411 hours. Needs and Uses: Section 76.209(b) requires that when, during origination cablecasting, an attack is made upon the honesty, character, integrity, or like personal qualities of an identified person or group, the respective cable television system operator shall, within a reasonable time and in no event later than one week after the attack, transmit to the person or group attacked (1) notification of the date, time and [[Page 60510]] identification of the cablecast; (2) a script, tape or accurate summary of the attack; and (3) an offer of a reasonable opportunity to respond to the attack over the licensee's facilities. The provisions of paragraph (b) of Section 76.209 do not apply to cablecast material which falls within one or more of the following categories: (1) Personal attacks on foreign groups or foreign public figures; (2) personal attacks occurring during uses by legally qualified candidates; (3) personal attacks made during cablecasts by legally qualified candidates, their authorized spokespersons or those associated with them in the campaign, on other such candidates, their spokespersons or persons associated with the candidates in the campaign; and (4) bona fide newcasts, news interviews, and on-the-spot coverage of bona fide news events, including commentary or analysis contained in the foregoing programs. Additionally, Section 76.209(d) requires that when a cable television system operator in an editorial endorses or opposes a legally qualified candidate, the operator shall, within 24 hours of the editorial, transmit to the other qualified candidate(s) for the same office or the candidate opposed, notification of the date, time and channel of the editorial; a script or tape of the editorial; and an offer of a reasonable opportunity to respond over the system's facilities. Federal Communications Commission. William F. Caton, Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. 97-29512 Filed 11-7-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P