FCC Extends Comment, Reply Deadlines For EEO Enforcement NPRM

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On June 12, the FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking comment on how it could make improvements to equal employment opportunity (EEO) compliance and enforcement.


The NPRM specified comment and reply comment dates of 30 days and 45 days, respectively, from publication of a summary of the NPRM in the Federal Register, which
occurred on July 22, and resulted in a comment due date of August 21 and a reply comment due date of September 5.

Scratch those dates, thanks to a Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council request that the Media Bureau granted.

On July 25, the MMTC filed a motion requesting an extension of the time to file comments in this proceeding to September 20 and reply comments to November 4.

Why? MMTC fall fellowships begin in early September and it anticipates that its new
fellows will need time to digest the Commission’s extensive EEO record.

The MMTC also requested that the time for reply comments be expanded from the 15 days set forth in the NPRM to 45 days, or until November 4, observing that, given the high level of interest in this proceeding, 15 days is likely to be insufficient.

Such requests aren’t routinely granted. However, Media Bureau Chief Michelle Carey ruled that MMTC has shown good cause for the requested extension, and believes that the public interest will be served by granting an extension of time.