Overview
Title
Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FCC wants to know if the way they collect information is helpful and not too hard for small businesses. They are asking people to share their thoughts on this by June 13, 2025.
Summary AI
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comments from the public and other federal agencies on their information collection practices, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The goal is to understand if the information collection is necessary, assess its utility, and find ways to improve the quality and reduce the burden of these collections, especially for small businesses. The public can send their comments to the FCC by June 13, 2025. This request relates to rules protecting exclusive broadcasting rights negotiated between different parties, and fulfilling this obligation is necessary to gain or maintain certain benefits.
Abstract
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, 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 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 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), inviting feedback on its information collection practices. This step is in line with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which aims to minimize the paperwork burden on businesses and improve the practicality and utility of the information collected. By seeking comments from the public and other federal agencies, the FCC is looking to ensure that the data they gather is crucial for performing their duties effectively and to explore ways to enhance its quality and clarity.
Significant Issues and Concerns:
The notice includes technical jargon and references specific elements of the Code of Federal Regulations pertinent to satellite broadcasting rules. This complexity might pose challenges for those who lack background in telecommunications or legal regulations. Stakeholders, especially smaller businesses, could struggle to glean precisely how the proposed data collection adjustments will influence them, particularly regarding the automated collection processes mentioned.
Moreover, the document is somewhat vague about the implications or costs involved for those required to comply with these information collection requirements. The absence of detailed justifications for extending the current collection requirements raises questions about the necessity and rationale behind maintaining these practices.
Additionally, the criteria for what comprises "practical utility" in the context of the information being collected are not explicitly defined. This lack of clarity might leave respondents uncertain about the metrics or outcomes the FCC would consider valuable or beneficial.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders:
For the general public, the FCC's request for comments represents an opportunity to influence how the agency collects and uses information. By participating, individuals and organizations can voice concerns or suggestions, potentially shaping more effective and less burdensome regulations.
Specific stakeholders, such as businesses dealing in telecommunications, broadcasters, and small enterprises with fewer than 25 employees, might feel a direct impact. These entities could face adjustments in how they report data to the FCC, which might necessitate changes in their operational processes. If the FCC can implement automated systems effectively, small businesses could experience reduced manual burdens and streamlined compliance. However, without clear, detailed guidance, these potential benefits might not be realized.
Overall, while the document's intent is to alleviate burdens and improve data utility, the technical language and lack of concrete details could hinder effective stakeholder engagement. Clarity and transparency in such communications could better help the FCC achieve its goals while also ensuring that the engaged parties are adequately informed to provide meaningful feedback.
Issues
• The document's language is somewhat technical and could be difficult for individuals without expertise in telecommunications or regulatory affairs to fully understand, particularly the references to specific CFR sections and statutory requirements.
• The document mentions 'automated collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees' but does not provide specific details on how this will be achieved, which could be ambiguous for affected businesses.
• The document does not provide information on any costs associated with compliance for the respondents, which might be relevant for stakeholders to evaluate the impact of the information collection.
• The document lacks details on why the extension of the currently approved collection is necessary, failing to clearly justify the continuation of these specific information collection requirements.
• The document does not specify what constitutes 'practical utility' in the context of the information collected, leading to ambiguity about the criteria for assessing the usefulness of the data collected.