PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 DA 08-515 Released: March 6, 2008 MEDIA BUREAU GRANTS EXTENSION OF TIME TO FILE COMMENTS AND REPLY COMMENTS IN RESPONSE TO BROADCAST LOCALISM NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING MB Docket No. 04-233 Revised date for filing Comments: April 28, 2008 Revised date for filing Reply Comments: June 11, 2008 On December 18, 2007, the Commission adopted its Report on Broadcast Localism and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Commission’s above-noted proceeding (“NPRM”). The NPRM requested comment on several proposed rule changes designed to enhance broadcast localism and diversity, to increase and improve the amount and nature of broadcast programming that is targeted to the local needs and interests of a broadcast station’s community of service, and to provide more accessible information to the public about broadcasters’ efforts to air such programming.1 The NPRM set deadlines for filing comments and reply comments at 30 and 60 days after publication of the NPRM in the Federal Register.2 The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on February 13, 2008.3 Accordingly, the filing dates were initially established as March 14, 2008, for comments and April 14, 2008, for reply comments.4 Certain named state broadcasters associations and noncommercial broadcast organizations, National Public Radio, Inc., the Association of Public Television Stations, the Public Broadcasting Service, and the National Association of Broadcasters have filed motions seeking or comments supporting an extension of the deadlines for filing comments and reply comments.5 They request that the 1 Broadcast Localism, MB Docket No. 04-233, Report on Broadcast Localism and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 07-218 (rel. January 24, 2008) (“NPRM”). 2 Id. at 1. 3 NPRM, 73 FR 8255 (February 13, 2008). 4 Media Bureau Announces Comment and Reply Comment Dates for the Broadcast Localism Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Public Notice, DA 08-393 (Feb. 15, 2008). 5 See Alabama Broadcasters Association et al., Motion for Extension of Deadline for Filing of Comments and Reply Comments, MB Docket No. 04-233 (Feb. 21, 2008) (“SBA Motion”); California Public Radio et al., Motion and Amended Motion in Support of Extension of Deadline for Filing of Comments and Reply Comments, MB Docket No. 04-233 (Feb. 22 and 25, 2008) (“NCE Motion”); National Public Radio, Inc., Association of Public Television Stations, and Public Broadcasting Service, Motion for Extension of Time, MB Docket No. 04-233 (Feb. 26, 2008) (“NPR et al. Motion”); National Association of Broadcasters, Comments in Support of Motion for Extension of Deadline for Filing of Comments and Reply Comments, MB Docket No. 04-233 (Feb. 27, 2008) (“NAB Comments”). 2 Commission extend the current deadlines for filing comments and reply comments to April 28 and June 11, 2008, respectively.6 The parties argue that additional time is necessary to review the comprehensive record, investigate, and provide the Commission meaningful comments in light of the broad and material effects of this proceeding.7 They submit that additional time to prepare comments and reply comments will cause no hardship or prejudice to other interested parties or to the Commission and will facilitate the development of a more complete and meaningful record.8 No oppositions have been filed to the requested extension. As set forth in Section 1.46(a) of the Commission’s Rules,9 the Commission’s policy is that extensions of time for filing comments in rulemaking proceedings shall not be routinely granted. In this case, however, we agree that an extension of the comment and reply comment period is warranted to enable commenters to adequately review, investigate, and comment on the specific issues raised in the NPRM and respond to the extensive comments filed in response thereto. With the extension granted herein, interested parties will have ample time to prepare and submit comments and replies. Accordingly, we hereby grant the above-described motions for extension of time filed in MB Docket No. 04-233. The deadline for filing comments is extended to April 28, 2008. The deadline for filing reply comments is extended to June 11, 2008. This action is taken pursuant to authority found in Sections 4(i), 4(j), and 303(r) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. §§ 154(i), 154(j), and 303(r), and Sections 0.61, 0.283, and 1.46 of the Commission’s rules, 47 C.F.R. §§ 0.61, 0.283, and 1.46. For further information, contact Jeremy Kissel of the Media Bureau, Policy Division, at Jeremy.Kissel@fcc.gov or (202) 418-2120. Press inquiries should be directed to Mary Diamond, Media Bureau, at (202) 418-2388. TTY: (202) 418-7172 or (888) 835-5322. By the Chief, Media Bureau -FCC- 6 See SBA Motion at 1; NCE Motion at 1; NPR et al. Motion at 1; NAB Comments at 2. 7 See SBA Motion at 1-2; NCE Motion at 1; NPR et al. Motion at 2-3; NAB Comments at 1-2. 8 See SBA Motion at 2, 4; NPR et al. Motion at 2. 9 47 C.F.R. § 1.46(a).