*Pages 1--1 from Microsoft Word - 13507.doc* PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission News Media Information: (202) 418- 0500 445 Twelfth Street, S. W. Fax on Demand: (202) 418- 2830 Washington, DC 20554 Internet: www. fcc. gov DA 01- 2890 Released: December 14, 2001 Extended Settlement Period for Closed Groups of Mutually Exclusive Broadcast Applications Announced Period to Close February 15, 2002 On September 27, 2001, the Mass Media Bureau (“ Bureau”) released a Public Notice 1 announcing that it would accept universal settlements until November 30, 2001 for certain pending closed groups of non- reserved channel mutually exclusive AM, FM, FM translator and television station construction permit applications. To promptly resolve these groups and permit the expeditious authorization of new broadcast service, applicants identified in Attachment A to the Public Notice were provided an opportunity for settlement while the Commission formulates its response to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit’s decision in National Public Radio, Inc. et al., v. FCC, 254 F. 3d 226 (D. C. Cir. 2001). The Bureau has received several motions for extension of the November 30, 2001 settlement date. 2 The requesting parties state that, given the complexity of the issues raised in mutually exclusive groups involving both noncommercial and commercial applicants, and the long- pending aspect of these particular mutually exclusive groups, additional time in which to reach universal settlement will serve the public interest and result in expeditious initiation of new broadcast service. We find that the public interest would be served by an extension of the settlement period and we therefore extend the settlement window for application groups identified in Attachment A to the September 27, 2001 Public Notice to February 15, 2002. For additional information or questions on this matter, please contact Lisa Scanlan of the Audio Services Division, Mass Media Bureau at 202- 418- 2700 or Shaun Maher, Video Services Division, Mass Media Bureau at 418- 1600. 1 “Window Opened to Permit Settlements for Closed Groups of Mutually Exclusive Broadcast Applications,” Public Notice, DA 01- 2242, released September 27, 2001. 2 The following parties requested extension: Lay Catholic Broadcasting Network; Educational Communications of Colorado Springs, Inc.; Four Corners Broadcasting, LLC; Rocky Mountain Radio Company, LLC; EB Needles, LLC; Colorado Alpine Broadcasting Company; Boat of Steam Broadcasting; George S. Flinn, Jr.; KRJ Company; Robert Durango, LLC; NI Acquisition Corp.; Directel, Inc.; KZCO Broadcasting, Inc.; and Cornerstone Community Radio, Inc. 1