Overview
Title
Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FCC wants people to tell them if their way of asking for information is helpful and easy. They especially want to know if small businesses can handle it without too much trouble.
Summary AI
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comments on its information collection processes as part of efforts to reduce paperwork burdens and ensure the effectiveness of its collections. The FCC is specifically interested in feedback on whether the information collections are necessary, how accurate their burden estimates are, and ways to improve the use and clarity of the data collected. They also wish to minimize the burden on smaller businesses. All comments should be submitted by April 27, 2021, in accordance with the guidelines provided.
Abstract
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collections. Comments are requested concerning: Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document under review is a notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), published in the Federal Register. It outlines the FCC's ongoing efforts to streamline its paperwork processes, in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The agency aims to collect feedback from the public and other federal entities regarding its information gathering practices. The notice specifically invites comments on several aspects, such as the necessity and utility of these information collections, the accuracy of burden estimates, and potential improvements in data collection.
Summary of the Document
The FCC is focused on reducing the administrative burden associated with its data collection activities. The main goal is to ensure that the information collected is truly necessary and serves its intended purpose efficiently. The Commission acknowledges the need to make processes user-friendly, especially for smaller businesses, possibly by implementing technology solutions. The intention is to gather input from the public by April 27, 2021, to consider during the FCC's review of its information gathering procedures.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Ambiguity and Clarity: The document lacks specificity in certain areas, such as which Satellite Digital Audio Broadcasting Service (SDARS) licensees are required to comply with the political broadcasting mandates. This could present challenges in compliance, leading to confusion among stakeholders about their obligations.
Undisclosed Costs: Although the document claims "no cost," there could be indirect financial implications, particularly for small businesses that must allocate resources to ensure compliance. A more comprehensive cost analysis might benefit both the Commission and the stakeholders to understand the financial impact better.
Complex Terminology: The use of technical jargon, such as "practical utility" and specific legal citations, without accompanying explanations, may hinder understanding for those without legal or regulatory backgrounds. This complexity could deter smaller entities without legal expertise from participating in the commentary process or complying with the requirements.
Lack of Detailed Protocols: The document briefly addresses confidentiality but does not provide clear procedures for entities wishing to request confidentiality. This might deter potential commentators from participating, fearing that proprietary or sensitive information could be publicly disclosed.
Impact on the Public
This notice potentially affects a wide range of stakeholders, from large corporations to small business owners, all of whom may be impacted by the FCC's information collection requirements. The overall public impact hinges on how effectively the FCC incorporates this feedback into its processes. If adequately implemented, these measures could lead to more efficient data collection practices, offering a balance between regulatory requirements and minimizing administrative burdens.
Specific Stakeholder Impact
For larger corporations involved in broadcasting and digital services, compliance with the proposed requirements could mean more attention to record-keeping and potentially additional personnel to ensure that the reporting standards are met without issues.
For small businesses, the impact may be more pronounced. Without significant resources, smaller entities may find it challenging to meet requirements if they aren't streamlined or made more accessible. This underscores the importance of providing clear guidance and considering automated solutions to alleviate the administrative load.
In summary, the FCC's notice represents an opportunity to refine its data gathering to better serve both the Commission and those it regulates. However, attention must be given to clarifying certain aspects and considering the varying capacities of different stakeholders to comply with and respond to these requirements effectively.
Issues
• The document does not specify which 'Satellite Digital Audio Broadcasting Service' (SDARS) licensees are subject to the political broadcasting requirements, which may lead to ambiguity.
• The section on the estimated time per response mentions '10 hours' but does not clarify what specific tasks this includes, leading to potential misinterpretation by respondents.
• The document hints at minimal financial burden ('no cost'), yet it could be more transparent about any indirect costs, particularly for small businesses which may spend resources on compliance activities.
• Use of technical terms like 'practical utility', 'statutory authority', and references to specific U.S. Code and CFR sections (e.g., 47 U.S.C. Section 315, 47 CFR Section 73.1942) without layman explanations might be difficult for non-experts to understand.
• The section describing the actions required by SDARS licensees under 'Lowest Unit Charge' and 'Political File' could benefit from more detailed examples or explanations to ensure clarity for all potential stakeholders.
• The issue of confidentiality is mentioned, but there is no clear protocol or guidance provided for how confidentiality requests should be handled or granted, which might be important for respondents to know.