Federal Communications Commission FCC 17-157 STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER BRENDAN CARR Re: FCC Form 325 Data Collection, MB Docket No. 17-290; Modernization of Media Regulation Initiative, MB Docket No. 17-105. With this item, we take another step toward reducing unnecessary paperwork burdens. According to the Office of Management and Budget, the costs associated with the Commission’s current information collections exceed $790 million annually. It’s far from clear that this hefty price tag is worth it. That’s why I’m pleased that this Commission has been reevaluating the necessity and utility of a number of our reporting requirements. Today is no different. Specifically, we seek comment on whether to streamline or eliminate FCC Form 325, which the agency has used to collect operational data about cable systems. Cable providers have advocated for the elimination of this Form in the media modernization proceeding. They contend that routine collection of this data is unnecessary today, especially when their satellite and online video competitors are not saddled with a similar obligation. They also express concern about the burden and uncertainty imposed on smaller cable operators who are randomly selected (lucky them) each year to complete the Form. We should allow these service providers to focus their time and resources on competing for customers in today’s dynamic video marketplace, not filling out FCC forms. So I’m glad that we’re initiating this rulemaking to reduce or eliminate this reporting burden and this item has my support. I hope that we will act swiftly based on the record we receive.