[Federal Register: August 25, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 164)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 50998]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25au03-15]
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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
47 CFR Part 73
[MB Docket No. 03-130; DA 03-2639]
Definition of Radio Markets for Areas Not Located in an Arbitron
Survey Area
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period.
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SUMMARY: This decision extends the period for filing public comments
and reply comments in this proceeding at the request of commenters.
DATES: Comments are now due on October 6, 2003, and Reply Comments are
due on October 21, 2003.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Brett, Media Bureau, 202-418-2330.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Order
in MB Docket No. 03-130, DA 03-2639, adopted August 11, 2003, and
released August 12, 2003. The complete text of this Order is available
for inspection and copying during normal business hours in the FCC
Reference Information Center, Courtyard Level, 445 12th Street, S.W.,
Washington, DC, and also may be purchased from the Commission's copy
contractor, Qualex International, Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW.,
Room CY-B402, Washington, DC 20554, telephone 202-863-2893, facsimile
202-863-2898, or via e-mail at qualexint@aol.com. Alternative formats
(computer diskette, large print, audio cassette, and Braille) are
available to persons with disabilities by contacting Brian Millin at
202-418-7426, TTY 202-418-7365, or at bmillin@fcc.gov.
Synopsis of the Order
1. On July 2, 2003, the Commission released its Notice of Proposed
Rule Making (``NPRM'') in conjunction with its Report and Order in this
proceeding, completing its third biennial review of its broadcast
ownership rules. (See NPRM at 68 FR 46359, August 5, 2003, and Report
and Order at 68 FR 46286, August 5, 2003.) The current deadlines to
file comments and reply comments in this proceeding are September 4,
2003 and September 19, 2003, respectively.
2. In the Report and Order, the Commission replaced its current
contour-overlap methodology for defining radio markets with a
geographic market approach in areas where such markets have been
defined by Arbitron. These ``Metro'' markets are used to determine
compliance with the local radio ownership rule. The Commission also
initiated this proceeding to define radio markets for areas not covered
by Metro markets. Until a new definition is developed, the Commission
will use a modified contour-overlap methodology in non-Metro markets.
The goal of the proceeding is to generate a map or a list of markets
for radio stations across the entire country.
3. On August 8, 2003, the National Association of Broadcasters
(``NAB'') and Saga Communications, Inc. (collectively, ``Petitioners'')
filed a joint motion asking the Commission to extend the comment and
reply comment deadlines to October 20, 2003 and November 19, 2003,
respectively. Petitioners assert that they need additional time to
assess the impact of the options suggested by the Commission as well as
to attempt to develop a market definition specific to radio. NAB has
contracted with a consultant to study the Commission's options as well
as others and requests additional time to accumulate and review the
data. Petitioners also argue that additional time is needed for NAB's
radio task force and Radio Board to act, and for staff to prepare
comments reflecting the Board's decisions.
4. We believe that the public interest would be best served by
granting a brief extension of the comment and reply comment filing
deadlines so that commenters may assemble data and conduct studies that
will inform our decision in this proceeding. At the same time, however,
we recognize the importance of completing this proceeding in a timely
fashion. Adopting a permanent definition of radio markets outside Metro
areas will provide parties with long-term certainty as to the radio
market definition and allow them to plan transactions accordingly.
Accordingly, we will grant only a thirty-day extension. The new
deadline for comments is October 6, 2003. The new deadline for replies
is October 21, 2003.
Federal Communications Commission.
Robert Ratcliffe,
Deputy Chief, Media Bureau.
[FR Doc. 03-21652 Filed 8-22-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P