STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN KEVIN J. MARTIN Re: Standardized and Enhanced Disclosure Requirements for Television Broadcast Licensee Public Interest Obligations, MM Docket No. 00-168; Extension of the Filing Requirement for Children’s Television Programming Report (FCC Form 398) (MB Docket Nos. 00-168 and 00-44) Today we take steps to highlight the work many broadcasters are doing to serve their community, and shine a light on those who could improve their commitment to localism. Specifically, we require broadcasters to post on the Internet information about how the programming they air serves their local communities. Television stations will file a standardized form on a quarterly basis that specifically details the type of programming that they air and the manner in which they do it. Most broadcasters are proud of the local programming and news they are airing. The forms we require will describe a host of programming information including the local civic affairs, local electoral affairs, public service announcements (whether sponsored or aired for free) and independently produced programming. With a standardized form and public Internet access to it, public and government officials will now be able to engage them directly in a discussion about exactly what local commitments broadcasters are and/or should be fulfilling. Broadcasters are required to meet the needs and interests of their local audience and the item we adopt today allows the public to better monitor how they are fulfilling this public interest obligation. This public “report card” will shine a bright light on the activities of television stations across the country.