Steps Taken to Minimize Significant Economic Impact on Small Entities, and Significant Alternatives Considered The RFA requires an agency to describe any significant, specifically small business, alternatives that it has considered in reaching its proposed approach, which may include the following four alternatives (among others): (1) the establishment of differing compliance or reporting requirements or timetables that take into account the resources available to small entities; (2) the clarification, consolidation, or simplification of compliance and reporting requirements under the rule for such small entities; (3) the use of performance, rather than design, standards; and (4) an exemption from coverage of the rule, or any part thereof, for small entities. As discussed above, the Commission decided to adopt an incubator program with the goal of creating ownership opportunities for new entrants and small businesses, thereby promoting competition and diversity in the broadcast industry. In adopting the requirements that will govern the incubator program, the Commission considered various options and alternatives that were proposed in the and public comments, and based on the record, the Commission concluded that structuring the NPRM incubator program as discussed in the will provide small new entrants and struggling Report and Order small broadcasters access to the financing, mentoring, and industry connections that are necessary for success in the broadcasting industry. The expectation is that each successful incubation Commission’s relationship will result in the acquisition of a broadcast radio station by a new entrant or small business, or the preservation of an existing, but struggling, small broadcaster. Participation in the incubator program is optional, not mandatory, and the Commission anticipates that the incubator program will benefit small entities that participate in the program, not burden them. Report to Congress The Commission will send a copy of the Order, including this FRFA, in a report to be sent to Congress pursuant to the Congressional Review Act. In addition, the Commission will send a copy of the Order, including this FRFA, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA. A copy of the Order and FRFA (or summaries thereof) will also be published in the Federal Register.
Steps Taken to Minimize Significant Economic Impact on Small Entities, and Significant Alternatives Considered The RFA requires an agency to describe any significant, specifically small business, alternatives that it has considered in reaching its proposed approach, which may include the following four alternatives (among others): (1) the establishment of differing compliance or reporting requirements or timetables that take into account the resources available to small entities; (2) the clarification, consolidation, or simplification of compliance and reporting requirements under the rule for such small entities; (3) the use of performance, rather than design, standards; and (4) an exemption from coverage of the rule, or any part thereof, for small entities. As discussed above, the Commission decided to adopt an incubator program with the goal of creating ownership opportunities for new entrants and small businesses, thereby promoting competition and diversity in the broadcast industry. In adopting the requirements that will govern the incubator program, the Commission considered various options and alternatives that were proposed in the NPRM and public comments, and based on the record, the Commission concluded that structuring the incubator program as discussed in the Report and Order will provide small new entrants and struggling small broadcasters access to the financing, mentoring, and industry connections that are necessary for success in the broadcasting industry. The Commission’s expectation is that each successful incubation relationship will result in the acquisition of a broadcast radio station by a new entrant or small business, or the preservation of an existing, but struggling, small broadcaster. Participation in the incubator program is optional, not mandatory, and the Commission anticipates that the incubator program will benefit small entities that participate in the program, not burden them. Report to Congress The Commission will send a copy of the Order, including this FRFA, in a report to be sent to Congress pursuant to the Congressional Review Act. In addition, the Commission will send a copy of the Order, including this FRFA, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA. A copy of the Order and FRFA (or summaries thereof) will also be published in the Federal Register.
FCC-18-114A1.docx