
[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 47, Volume 1]
[Revised as of October 1, 2001]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 47CFR1]

[Page 141-173]
 
                       TITLE 47--TELECOMMUNICATION
 
              CHAPTER I--FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
 
PART 1--PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE--Table of Contents
 
Subpart B--Hearing Proceedings

    Source: 28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963, unless otherwise noted.

                                 General

Sec. 1.201  Scope.

    This subpart shall be applicable to the following cases which have 
been designated for hearing:
    (a) Adjudication (as defined by the Administrative Procedure Act); 
and
    (b) Rule making proceedings which are required by law to be made on 
the record after opportunity for a Commission hearing.

    Note: For special provisions relating to AM broadcast station 
applications involving other North American countries see Sec. 73.3570.

[28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 51 FR 32088, Sept. 9, 1986]

Sec. 1.202  Official reporter; transcript.

    The Commission will designate from time to time an official reporter 
for the recording and transcribing of hearing proceedings. The 
transcript of the testimony taken, or argument had, at any hearing will 
not be furnished by the Commission, but will be open to inspection under 
Sec. 0.453(a)(1) of this chapter. Copies of such transcript, if desired, 
may be obtained from the official reporter upon payment of the charges 
therefor.

(5 U.S.C. 556)

[32 FR 20861, Dec. 28, 1967]

Sec. 1.203  The record.

    The transcript of testimony and exhibits, together with all papers 
and requests filed in the proceeding, shall constitute the exclusive 
record for decision. Where any decision rests on official notice of a 
material fact not appearing in the record, any party shall on timely 
request be afforded an opportunity to show the contrary.

(5 U.S.C. 556)

Sec. 1.204  Pleadings; definition.

    As used in this subpart, the term pleading means any written notice, 
motion, petition, request, opposition, reply, brief, proposed findings, 
exceptions, memorandum of law, or other paper filed with the Commission 
in a hearing proceeding. It does not include exhibits or documents 
offered in evidence. See Sec. 1.356.

[29 FR 8219, June 30, 1964]

Sec. 1.205  Continuances and extensions.

    Continuances of any proceeding or hearing and extensions of time for 
making any filing or performing any act required or allowed to be done 
within a specified time may be granted by the Commission or the 
presiding officer upon motion for good cause shown, unless the time for 
performance or filing is limited by statute.

Sec. 1.207  Interlocutory matters, reconsideration and review; cross 
          references.

    (a) Rules governing interlocutory pleadings in hearing proceedings 
are set forth in Secs. 1.291 through 1.298.
    (b) Rules governing appeal from rulings made by the presiding 
officer are set forth as Secs. 1.301 and 1.302.
    (c) Rules governing the reconsideration and review of actions taken 
pursuant to delegated authority, and the reconsideration of actions 
taken by the Commission, are set forth in Secs. 1.101 through 1.120.

[28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 29 FR 6443, May 16, 1964; 36 
FR 19439, Oct. 6, 1971]

Sec. 1.209  Identification of responsible officer in caption to 
          pleading.

    Each pleading filed in a hearing proceeding shall indicate in its 
caption

[[Page 142]]

whether it is to be acted upon by the Commission, the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge, or the presiding officer. If it is to be acted 
upon by the presiding officer, he shall be identified by name.

[29 FR 8219, June 30, 1964, as amended at 37 FR 19372, Sept. 20, 1972; 
62 FR 4171, Jan. 29, 1997]

Sec. 1.211  Service.

    Except as otherwise expressly provided in this chapter, all 
pleadings filed in a hearing proceeding shall be served upon all other 
counsel in the proceeding or, if a party is not represented by counsel, 
then upon such party. All such papers shall be accompanied by proof of 
service. For provisions governing the manner of service, see Sec. 1.47.

[29 FR 8219, June 30, 1964]

                         Participants and Issues

Sec. 1.221  Notice of hearing; appearances.

    (a) Upon designation of an application for hearing, the Commission 
issues an order containing the following:
    (1) A statement as to the reasons for the Commission's action.
    (2) A statement as to the matters of fact and law involved, and the 
issues upon which the application will be heard.
    (3) A statement as to the time, place, and nature of the hearing. 
(If the time and place are not specified, the order will indicate that 
the time and place will be specified at a later date.)
    (4) A statement as to the legal authority and jurisdiction under 
which the hearing is to be held.
    (b) The order designating an application for hearing is mailed to 
the applicant by the Reference Operations Division of the Consumer 
Information Bureau and this order or a summary thereof is published in 
the Federal Register. Reasonable notice of hearing will be given to the 
parties in all proceedings; and, whenever possible, the Commission will 
give at least 60 days notice of comparative hearings.
    (c) In order to avail himself of the opportunity to be heard, the 
applicant, in person or by his attorney, shall, within 20 days of the 
mailing of the notice of designation for hearing by the Reference 
Information Division of the Consumer Information Bureau, file with the 
Commission, in triplicate, a written appearance stating that he will 
appear of the date fixed for hearing and present evidence on the issues 
specified in the order. Where an applicant fails to file such a written 
appearance within the time specified, or has not filed prior to the 
expiration of that time a petition to dismiss without prejudice, or a 
petition to accept, for good cause shown, such written appearance beyond 
expiration of said 20 days, the application will be dismissed with 
prejudice for failure to prosecute.
    (d) The Commission will on its own motion name as parties to the 
hearing any person found to be a party in interest.
    (e) In order to avail himself of the opportunity to be heard, any 
person named as a party pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section shall, 
within 20 days of the mailing of the notice of his designation as a 
party, file with the Commission, in person or by attorney, a written 
appearance in triplicate, stating that he will appear at the hearing. 
Any person so named who fails to file this written statement within the 
time specified, shall, unless good cause for such failure is shown, 
forfeit his hearing rights.
    (f) A fee must accompany each written appearance filed with the 
Commission in certain cases designated for hearing. See subpart G, part 
1 for the amount due. Except as provided in paragraph (g) of this 
section, the fee must accompany each written appearance at the time of 
its filing and must be in conformance with the requirements of subpart G 
of the rules. A written appearance that does not contain the proper fee, 
or is not accompanied by a deferral request as per Sec. 1.1115 of the 
rules, shall be dismissed and returned to the applicant by the fee 
processing staff. The presiding judge will be notified of this action 
and may dismiss the applicant with prejudice for failure to prosecute if 
the written appearance is not resubmitted with the correct fee within 
the original 20 day filing period.

    Note: If the parties file a settlement agreement prior to filing the 
Notice of Appearance or simultaneously with it, the hearing fee need not 
accompany the Notice of Appearance. In filing the Notice of Appearance, 
the

[[Page 143]]

applicant should clearly indicate that a settlement agreement has been 
filed. (The fact that there are ongoing negotiations that may lead to a 
settlement does not affect the requirement to pay the fee.) If a 
settlement agreement is not effectuated, the Presiding Judge will 
require immediate payment of the fee.

    (g) In comparative broadcast proceedings involving applicants for 
new facilities, where the hearing fee was paid before designation of the 
applications for hearing as required by the Public Notice described at 
Sec. 73.3571(c), Sec. 73.3572(d), or Sec. 73.3573(g) of this chapter, a 
hearing fee payment should not be made with the filing of the Notice of 
Appearance.

(5 U.S.C. 554. Sec. 309, 48 Stat. 1085, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 309)

[28 12424, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 51 FR 19347, May 29, 1986; 52 FR 
5288, Feb. 20, 1987; 55 FR 19154, May 8, 1990; 56 FR 25638, June 5, 
1991; 64 FR 60725, Nov. 8, 1999]

    Effective Date Note: At 66 FR 47895, Sept. 14, 2001, Sec. 1.221 was 
amended by redesignating paragraph (f) as paragraph (f)(1), and adding a 
new paragraph (f)(2), effective Dec. 3, 2001. For the convenience of the 
user, the added text follows:

Sec. 1.221  Notice of hearing; appearances.

                                * * * * *

    (f) * * *
    (2) When a fee is required to accompany a written appearance as 
described in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, the written appearance 
must also contain FCC Registration Number (FRN) in conformance with 
subpart W of this part. The presiding judge will notify the party filing 
the appearance of the omitted FRN and dismiss the applicant with 
prejudice for failure to prosecute if the written appearance is not 
resubmitted with the FRN within ten (10) business days of the date of 
notification.

Sec. 1.223  Petitions to intervene.

    (a) Where, in cases involving applications for construction permits 
and station licenses, or modifications or renewals thereof, the 
Commission has failed to notify and name as a party to the hearing any 
person who qualifies as a party in interest, such person may acquire the 
status of a party by filing, under oath and not more than 30 days after 
the publication in the Federal Register of the hearing issues or any 
substantial amendment thereto, a petition for intervention showing the 
basis of its interest. Where such person's interest is based upon a 
claim that a grant of the application would cause objectionable 
interference under applicable provisions of this chapter to such person 
as a licensee or permittee of an existing or authorized station, the 
petition to intervene must be accompanied by an affidavit of a qualified 
radio engineer which shall show, either by following the procedures 
prescribed in this chapter for determining interference in the absence 
of measurements or by actual measurements made in accordance with the 
methods prescribed in this chapter, the extent of such interference. 
Where the person's status as a party in interest is established, the 
petition to intervene will be granted.
    (b) Any other person desiring to participate as a party in any 
hearing may file a petition for leave to intervene not later than 30 
days after the publication in the Federal Register of the full text or a 
summary of the order designating an application for hearing or any 
substantial amendment thereto. The petition must set forth the interest 
of petitioner in the proceedings, must show how such petitioner's 
participation will assist the Commission in the determination of the 
issues in question, must set forth any proposed issues in addition to 
those already designated for hearing, and must be accompanied by the 
affidavit of a person with knowledge as to the facts set forth in the 
petition. The presiding officer, in his discretion, may grant or deny 
such petition or may permit intervention by such persons limited to a 
particular stage of the proceeding.
    (c) Any person desiring to file a petition for leave to intervene 
later than 30 days after the publication in the Federal Register of the 
full text or a summary of the order designating an application for 
hearing or any substantial amendment thereto shall set forth the 
interest of petitioner in the proceeding, show how such petitioner's 
participation will assist the Commission in the determination of the 
issues in question, must set forth any proposed issues in addition to 
those already designated for hearing, and must

[[Page 144]]

set forth reasons why it was not possible to file a petition within the 
time prescribed by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. Such petition 
shall be accompanied by the affidavit of a person with knowledge of the 
facts set forth in the petition, and where petitioner claims that a 
grant of the application would cause objectionable interference under 
applicable provisions of this chapter, the petition to intervene must be 
accompanied by the affidavit of a qualified radio engineer showing the 
extent of such alleged interference according to the methods prescribed 
in paragraph (a) of this section. If, in the opinion of the presiding 
officer, good cause is shown for the delay in filing, he may in his 
discretion grant such petition or may permit intervention limited to 
particular issues or to a particular stage of the proceeding.

(Sec. 309, 48 Stat. 1085, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 309)

[28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 29 FR 7821, June 19, 1964; 41 
FR 14872, Apr. 8, 1976; 51 FR 19347, May 29, 1986]

Sec. 1.224  Motion to proceed in forma pauperis.

    (a) A motion to proceed in forma pauperis may be filed by an 
individual, a corporation, and unincorporated entity, an association or 
other similar group, if the moving party is either of the following:
    (1) A respondent in a revocation proceeding, or a renewal applicant, 
who cannot carry on his livelihood without the radio license at stake in 
the proceeding; or
    (2) An intervenor in a hearing proceeding who is in a position to 
introduce testimony which is of probable decisional significance, on a 
matter of substantial public interest importance, which cannot, or 
apparently will not, be introduced by other parties to the proceeding, 
and who is not seeking personal financial gain.
    (b) In the case of a licensee, the motion to proceed in forma 
pauperis shall contain specific allegations of fact sufficient to show 
that the moving party is eligible under paragraph (a) of this section 
and that he cannot, because of his poverty, pay the expenses of 
litigation and still be able to provide himself and his dependents with 
the necessities of life. Such allegations of fact shall be supported by 
affidavit of a person or persons with personal knowledge thereof. The 
information submitted shall detail the income and assets of the 
individual and his financial obligations and responsibilities, and shall 
contain an estimate of the cost of participation in the proceeding. 
Personal financial information may be submitted to the presiding officer 
in confidence.
    (c)(1) In the case of an individual intervenor, the motion to 
proceed in forma pauperis shall contain specific allegations of fact 
sufficient to show that he is eligible under paragraph (a) of this 
section and that he has dedicated financial resources to sustain his 
participation which are reasonable in light of his personal resources 
and other demands upon them but are inadequate for effective 
participation in the proceeding. Such allegations of fact shall be 
supported by affidavit of a person or persons with personal knowledge 
thereof. The information submitted shall detail the income and assets of 
the individual and his immediate family and his financial obligations 
and responsibilities, and shall contain an estimate of the cost of 
participation. Personal financial information may be submitted to the 
presiding officer in confidence.
    (2) In the case of an intervening group, the motion to proceed in 
forma pauperis shall contain specific allegations of fact sufficient to 
show that the moving party is eligible under paragraph (a) of this 
section and that it cannot pay the expenses of litigation and still be 
able to carry out the activities and purposes for which it was 
organized. Such allegations of fact shall be supported by affidavit of 
the President and Treasurer of the group, and/or by other persons having 
personal knowledge thereof. The information submitted shall include a 
copy of the corporate charter or other documents that describe the 
activities and purposes of the organization; a current balance sheet and 
profit and loss statement; facts showing, under all the circumstances, 
that it would not be reasonable to expect added resources of individuals 
composing the group to be

[[Page 145]]

pooled to meet the expenses of participating in the proceeding; and an 
estimate of the cost of participation. Personal financial information 
pertaining to members of the group may be submitted to the presiding 
officer in confidence.
    (d) If the motion is granted, the presiding officer may direct that 
a free copy of the transcript of testimony be made available to the 
moving party and may relax the rules of procedure in any manner which 
will ease his financial burden, is fair to other parties to the 
proceeding, and does not involve the payment of appropriated funds to a 
party.

[41 FR 53021, Dec. 3, 1976]

Sec. 1.225  Participation by non-parties; consideration of 
          communications.

    (a) Any person who wishes to appear and give evidence on any matter 
and who so advises the Secretary, will be notified by the Secretary if 
that matter is designated for hearing. In the case of requests bearing 
more than one signature, notice of hearing will be given to the person 
first signing unless the request indicates that such notice should be 
sent to someone other than such person.
    (b) No person shall be precluded from giving any relevant, material, 
and competent testimony at a hearing because he lacks a sufficient 
interest to justify his intervention as a party in the matter.
    (c) When a hearing is held, no communication will be considered in 
determining the merits of any matter unless it has been received into 
evidence. The admissibility of any communication shall be governed by 
the applicable rules of evidence, and no communication shall be 
admissible on the basis of a stipulation unless Commission counsel as 
well as counsel for all of the parties shall join in such stipulation.

Sec. 1.227  Consolidations.

    (a) The Commission, upon motion or upon its own motion, will, where 
such action will best conduce to the proper dispatch of business and to 
the ends of justice, consolidate for hearing:
    (1) Any cases which involve the same applicant or involve 
substantially the same issues, or
    (2) Any applications which present conflicting claims, except where 
a random selection process is used.
    (b)(1) In broadcast cases, except as provided in paragraph (b)(5) of 
this section, and except as otherwise provided in Sec. 1.1601, et seq., 
no application will be consolidated for hearing with a previously filed 
application or applications unless such application, or such application 
as amended, if amended so as to require a new file number, is 
substantially complete and tendered for filing by the close of business 
on the day preceding the day designated by Public Notice as the day any 
one of the previously filed applications is available and ready for 
processing.
    (2) In other than broadcast, common carrier, and safety and special 
radio services cases, any application that is mutually exclusive with 
another application or applications already designated for hearing will 
be consolidated for hearing with such other application or applications 
only if the later application in question has been filed within 5 days 
after public notice has been given in the Federal Register of the 
Commission's order which first designated for hearing the prior 
application or applications with which such application is in conflict.
    (3) Common carrier cases: (i) General rule. Where an application is 
mutually exclusive with a previously filed application, the second 
application will be entitled to comparative consideration with the first 
or entitled to be included in a random selection process, only if the 
second has been properly filed at least one day before the Commission 
takes action on the first application. Specifically, the later filed 
application must have been received by the Commission, in a condition 
acceptable for filing, before the close of business on the day prior to 
the grant date or designation date of the earlier filed application.
    (ii) Domestic public fixed and public mobile. See Rule Secs. 21.31 
and 22.31 for the requirements as to mutually exclusive applications. 
See also Rule Secs. 21.23 and 22.23 for the requirements as to 
amendments of applications.
    (iii) Public coast stations (Maritime mobile service). See paragraph 
(b)(4) of this section.

[[Page 146]]

    (4) This paragraph applies when mutually-exclusive applications 
subject to section 309(b) of the Communications Act are filed in the 
Private Radio Services or when there are more such applications for 
initial licenses than can be accommodated on available frequencies. In 
such cases, the applications either will be consolidated for hearing or 
designated for random selection (see Sec. 1.972 of this part). An 
application which is substantially amended (as defined by Sec. 1.962(c) 
of this part) will, for the purpose of this section, be considered to be 
a newly-filed application as of the receipt date of the amendment. 
Except for applications filed under part 94, Private Operational Fixed 
Microwave Service, mutual exclusivity will occur if the later 
application or applications are received by the Commission's offices in 
Gettysburg, PA (or Pittsburgh, PA for applications requiring the fees 
set forth at part 1, subpart G of the rules) in a condition acceptable 
for filing within 30 days after the release date of public notice 
listing the first prior filed application (with which subsequent 
applications are in conflict) as having been accepted for filing or 
within such other period as specified by the Commission. For 
applications in the Private Operational Fixed Microwave Service, mutual 
exclusivity will occur if two or more acceptable applications that are 
in conflict are filed on the same day.
    (5) Any mutually exclusive application filed after the date 
prescribed in paragraph (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), or (b)(4) of this 
section will be dismissed without prejudice and will be eligible for 
refiling only after a final decision is rendered by the Commission with 
respect to the prior application or applications or after such 
application or applications are dismissed or removed from the hearing 
docket.
    (6) An application which is mutually exclusive with an application 
for renewal of license of a broadcast station filed on or before May 1, 
1995 will be designated for comparative hearing with such license 
renewal application if it is substantially complete and tendered for 
filing no later than the date prescribed in Sec. 73.3516(e).

[28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 34 FR 7966, May 21, 1969; 37 
FR 13983, July 15, 1972; 38 FR 26202, Sept. 19, 1973; 48 FR 27200, June 
13, 1983; 48 FR 34039, July 27, 1983; 52 FR 10229, Mar. 31, 1987; 55 FR 
46008, Oct. 31, 1990; 55 FR 46513, Nov. 5, 1990; 61 FR 18291, Apr. 25, 
1996]

Sec. 1.229  Motions to enlarge, change, or delete issues.

    (a) A motion to enlarge, change or delete the issues may be filed by 
any party to a hearing. Except as provided for in paragraph (b) of this 
section, such motions must be filed within 15 days after the full text 
or a summary of the order designating the case for hearing has been 
published in the Federal Register.
    (b)(1) In comparative broadcast proceedings involving applicants for 
only new facilities, such motions shall be filed within 30 days of the 
release of the designation order, except that persons not named as 
parties to the proceeding in the designation order may file such motions 
with their petitions to intervene up to 30 days after publication of the 
full text or a summary of the designation order in the Federal Register. 
(See Sec. 1.223 of this part).
    (2) In comparative broadcast proceedings involving renewal 
applicants, such motions shall be filed within 30 days after publication 
of the full text or a summary of the designation order in the Federal 
Register.
    (3) Any person desiring to file a motion to modify the issues after 
the expiration of periods specified in paragraphs (a), (b)(1), and 
(b)(2), of this section, shall set forth the reason why it was not 
possible to file the motion within the prescribed period. Except as 
provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the motion will be granted 
only if good cause is shown for the delay in filing. Motions for 
modifications of issues which are based on new facts or newly discovered 
facts shall be filed within 15 days after such facts are discovered by 
the moving party.
    (c) In the absence of good cause for late filing of a motion to 
modify the issues, the motion to enlarge will be considered fully on its 
merits if (and

[[Page 147]]

only if) initial examination of the motion demonstrates that it raises a 
question of probable decisional significance and such substantial public 
interest importance as to warrant consideration in spite of its untimely 
filing.
    (d) Such motions, opposition thereto, and replies to oppositions 
shall contain specific allegations of fact sufficient to support the 
action requested. Such allegations of fact, except for those of which 
official notice may be taken, shall be supported by affidavits of a 
person or persons having personal knowledge thereof. The failure to file 
an opposition or a reply will not necessarily be construed as an 
admission of any fact or argument contained in a pleading.
    (e) In comparative broadcast proceedings involving applicants for 
only new facilities, in addition to the showing with respect to the 
requested issue modification described in paragraph (d) of this section, 
the party requesting the enlargement of issues against an applicant in 
the proceeding shall identify those documents the moving party wishes to 
have produced and any other discovery procedures the moving party wishes 
to employ in the event the requested issue is added to the proceeding.
    (1) In the event the motion to enlarge issues is granted, the 
Commission or delegated authority acting on the motion will also rule on 
the additional discovery requests, and, if granted, such additional 
discovery will be scheduled to be completed within 30 days of the action 
on the motion.
    (2) The moving party may file supplemental discovery requests on the 
basis of information provided in responsive pleadings or discovered as a 
result of initial discovery on the enlarged issue. The grant or denial 
of any such supplemental requests and the timing of the completion of 
such supplemental discovery are subject to the discretion of the 
presiding judge.
    (3) The 30-day time limit for completion of discovery on enlarged 
issues shall not apply where the persons subject to such additional 
discovery are not parties to the proceeding. In such case, additional 
time will be required to afford such persons adequate notice of the 
discovery procedures being employed.
    (f) In any case in which the presiding judge or the Commission 
grants a motion to enlarge the issues to inquire into allegations that 
an applicant made misrepresentations to the Commission or engaged in 
other misconduct during the application process, the enlarged issues 
include notice that, after hearings on the enlarged issue and upon a 
finding that the alleged misconduct occurred and warrants such penalty, 
in addition to or in lieu of denying the application, the applicant may 
be liable for a forfeiture of up to the maximum statutory amount. See 47 
U.S.C. 503(b)(2)(A).

[41 FR 14872, Apr. 8, 1976, as amended at 44 FR 34947, June 18, 1979; 51 
FR 19347, May 29, 1986; 56 FR 792, Jan. 9, 1991; 56 FR 25639, June 5, 
1991; 62 FR 4171, Jan. 29, 1997]

                            Presiding Officer

Sec. 1.241  Designation of presiding officer.

    (a) Hearings will be conducted by the Commission, by one or more 
commissioners, or by a law judge designated pursuant to section 11 of 
the Administrative Procedure Act. If a presiding officer becomes 
unavailable to the Commission prior to the taking of testimony another 
presiding officer will be designated.
    (b) Unless the Commission determines that due and timely execution 
of its functions requires otherwise, presiding officers shall be 
designated, and notice thereof released to the public, at least 10 days 
prior to the date set for hearing.

(5 U.S.C. 556)

Sec. 1.243  Authority of presiding officer.

    From the time he is designated to preside until issuance of his 
decision or the transfer of the proceeding to the Commission or to 
another presiding officer the presiding officer shall have such 
authority as is vested in him by law and by the provisions of this 
chapter, including authority to:
    (a) Administer oaths and affirmations;
    (b) Issue subpenas;
    (c) Examine witnesses;
    (d) Rule upon questions of evidence;

[[Page 148]]

    (e) Take or cause depositions to be taken;
    (f) Regulate the course of the hearing, maintain decorum, and 
exclude from the hearing any person engaging in contemptuous conduct or 
otherwise disrupting the proceedings;
    (g) Require the filing of memoranda of law and the presentation of 
oral argument with respect to any question of law upon which he is 
required to rule during the course of the hearing;
    (h) Hold conferences for the settlement or simplification of the 
issues by consent of the parties;
    (i) Dispose of procedural requests or similar matters, as provided 
for in Sec. 0.341 of this chapter;
    (j) Take actions and make decisions in conformity with the 
Administrative Procedure Act;
    (k) Act on motions to enlarge, modify or delete the hearing issues; 
and
    (l) Act on motions to proceed in forma pauperis pursuant to 
Sec. 1.224.

(5 U.S.C. 556)

[28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 41 FR 53022, Dec. 3, 1976]

Sec. 1.244  Designation of a settlement judge.

    (a) In broadcast comparative cases involving applicants for only new 
facilities, the applicants may request the appointment of a settlement 
judge to facilitate the resolution of the case by settlement.
    (b) Where all applicants in the case agree that such procedures may 
be beneficial, such requests may be filed with the presiding judge no 
later than 15 days prior to the date scheduled by the presiding judge 
for the commencement of hearings. The presiding judge shall suspend the 
procedural dates in the case and forward the request to the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge for action.
    (c) If, in the discretion of the Chief Administrative Law Judge, it 
appears that the appointment of a settlement judge will facilitate the 
settlement of the case, the Chief Judge will appoint a ``neutral'' as 
defined in 5 U.S.C. 581 and 583(a) to act as the settlement judge.
    (1) The parties may request the appointment of a settlement judge of 
their own choosing so long as that person is a ``neutral'' as defined in 
5 U.S.C. 581.
    (2) The appointment of a settlement judge in a particular case is 
subject to the approval of all the applicants in the proceeding. See 5 
U.S.C. 583(b).
    (3) The Commission's Administrative Law Judges are eligible to act 
as settlement judges, except that an Administrative Law Judge will not 
be appointed as a settlement judge in any case in which the 
Administrative Law Judge also acts as the presiding officer.
    (4) Other members of the Commission's staff who qualify as neutrals 
may be appointed as settlement judges, except that staff members whose 
duties include drafting, review, and/or recommendations in adjudicatory 
matters pending before the Commission shall not be appointed as 
settlement judges.
    (d) The settlement judge shall have the authority to require 
applicants to submit their Standardized Integration Statements and/or 
their written direct cases for review. The settlement judge may also 
meet with the applicants and/or their counsel, individually and/or at 
joint conferences, to discuss their cases and the cases of their 
competitors. All such meetings will be off-the-record, and the 
settlement judge may express an opinion as to the relative comparative 
standing of the applicants and recommend possible means to resolve the 
proceeding by settlement. The proceedings before the settlement judge 
shall be subject to the confidentiality provisions of 5 U.S.C. 574. 
Moreover, no statements, offers of settlement, representations or 
concessions of the parties or opinions expressed by the settlement judge 
will be admissible as evidence in any Commission licensing proceeding.

[56 FR 793, Jan. 9, 1991, as amended at 62 FR 4171, Jan. 29, 1997]

Sec. 1.245  Disqualification of presiding officer.

    (a) In the event that a presiding officer deems himself disqualified 
and desires to withdraw from the case, he shall notify the Commission of 
his withdrawal at least 7 days prior to the date set for hearing.
    (b) Any party may request the presiding officer to withdraw on the

[[Page 149]]

grounds of personal bias or other disqualification.
    (1) The person seeking disqualification shall file with the 
presiding officer an affidavit setting forth in detail the facts alleged 
to constitute grounds for disqualification. Such affidavit shall be 
filed not later than 5 days before the commencement of the hearing 
unless, for good cause shown, additional time is necessary.
    (2) The presiding officer may file a response to the affidavit; and 
if he believes himself not disqualified, shall so rule and proceed with 
the hearing.
    (3) The person seeking disqualification may appeal a ruling of 
disqualification, and, in that event, shall do so at the time the ruling 
is made. Unless an appeal of the ruling is filed at this time, the right 
to request withdrawal of the presiding officer shall be deemed waived.
    (4) If an appeal of the ruling is filed, the presiding officer shall 
certify the question, together with the affidavit and any response filed 
in connection therewith, to the Commission. The hearing shall be 
suspended pending a ruling on the question by the Commission.
    (5) The Commission may rule on the question without hearing, or it 
may require testimony or argument on the issues raised.
    (6) The affidavit, response, testimony or argument thereon, and the 
Commission's decision shall be part of the record in the case.

(5 U.S.C. 556)

[28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 55 FR 36641, Sept. 6, 1990; 
62 FR 4171, Jan. 29, 1997]

                          Prehearing Procedures

Sec. 1.246  Admission of facts and genuineness of documents.

    (a) Within 20 days after the time for filing a notice of appearance 
has expired; or within 20 days after the release of an order adding 
parties to the proceeding (see Secs. 1.223 and 1.227) or changing the 
issues (see Sec. 1.229); or within such shorter or longer time as the 
presiding officer may allow on motion or notice, a party may serve upon 
any other party a written request for the admission by the latter of the 
genuineness of any relevant documents identified in and exhibited by a 
clear copy with the request or of the truth of any relevant matters of 
fact set forth in the request.
    (b) Each of the matters of which an admission is requested shall be 
deemed admitted unless, within a period designated in the request, not 
less than 10 days after service thereof, or within such shorter or 
longer time as the presiding officer may allow on motion or notice, the 
party to whom the request is directed serves upon the party requesting 
the admission either: (1) A sworn statement denying specifically the 
matters of which an admission is requested or setting forth in detail 
the reasons why he cannot truthfully admit or deny those matters, or (2) 
written objections on the ground that some or all of the requested 
admissions are privileged or irrelevant or that the request is otherwise 
improper in whole or in part. If written objections to a part of the 
request are made, the remainder of the request shall be answered within 
the period designated in the request. A denial shall fairly meet the 
substance of the requested admission, and when good faith requires that 
a party deny only a part or a qualification of a matter of which an 
admission is requested, he shall specify so much of it as is true and 
deny only the remainder.
    (c) A copy of the request and of any answer shall be served by the 
party filing on all other parties to the proceeding and upon the 
presiding officer.
    (d) Written objections to the requested admissions may be ruled upon 
by the presiding officer without additional pleadings.

[33 FR 463, Jan. 12, 1968, as amended at 35 FR 17333, Nov. 11, 1970]

Sec. 1.248  Prehearing conferences; hearing conferences.

    (a) The Commission, on its own initiative or at the request of any 
party, may direct the parties or their attorneys to appear at a 
specified time and place for a conference prior to a hearing, or to 
submit suggestions in writing, for the purpose of considering, among 
other things, the matters set forth in paragraph (c) of this section. 
The initial prehearing conference shall

[[Page 150]]

be scheduled 30 days after the effective date of the order designating a 
case for hearing, unless good cause is shown for scheduling such 
conference at a later date.
    (b)(1) The presiding officer (or the Commission or a panel of 
commissioners in a case over which it presides), on his own initiative 
or at the request of any party, may direct the parties or their 
attorneys to appear at a specified time and place for a conference prior 
to or during the course of a hearing, or to submit suggestions in 
writing, for the purpose of considering any of the matters set forth in 
paragraph (c) of this section. The initial prehearing conference shall 
be scheduled 30 days after the effective date of the order designating a 
case for hearing, unless good cause is shown for scheduling such 
conference at a later date.
    (2) Except as circumstances otherwise require, the presiding officer 
shall allow a reasonable period prior to commencement of the hearing for 
the orderly completion of all prehearing procedures, including 
discovery, and for the submission and disposition of all prehearing 
motions. Where the circumstances so warrant, the presiding officer 
shall, promptly after the hearing is ordered, call a preliminary 
prehearing conference, to inquire into the use of available procedures 
contemplated by the parties and the time required for their completion, 
to formulate a schedule for their completion, and to set a date for 
commencement of the hearing.
    (c) In conferences held, or in suggestions submitted, pursuant to 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the following matters, among 
others, may be considered:
    (1) The necessity or desirability of simplification, clarification, 
amplification, or limitation of the issues;
    (2) The admission of facts and of the genuineness of documents (see 
Sec. 1.246), and the possibility of stipulating with respect to facts;
    (3) The procedure at the hearing;
    (4) The limitation of the number of witnesses;
    (5) In cases arising under Title II of the Communications Act, the 
necessity or desirability of amending the pleadings and offers of 
settlement or proposals of adjustment; and
    (6) In cases involving comparative broadcast applications:
    (i) Narrowing the issues or the areas of inquiry and proof at the 
hearing;
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (iii) Reports and letters relating to surveys or contacts;
    (iv) Assumptions regarding the availability of equipment;
    (v) Network programming;
    (vi) Assumptions regarding the availability of networks proposed;
    (vii) Offers of letters in general;
    (viii) The method of handling evidence relating to the past 
cooperation of existing stations owned and/or operated by the applicants 
with organizations in the area;
    (ix) Proof of contracts, agreements, or understandings reduced to 
writing;
    (x) Stipulations;
    (xi) Need for depositions;
    (xii) The numbering of exhibits;
    (xiii) The order or offer of proof with relationship to docket 
number;
    (xiv) The date for the formal hearing; and
    (xv) Such other matters as may expedite the conduct of the hearing.
    (7) In proceedings in which consent agreements may be negotiated 
(see Sec. 1.93), the parties shall be prepared to state at the initial 
prehearing conference whether they are at that time willing to enter 
negotiations leading to a consent agreement.
    (d) This paragraph applies to broadcast proceedings only.
    (1) At the prehearing conference prescribed by this section, the 
parties to the proceeding shall be prepared to discuss the advisability 
of reducing any or all phases of their affirmative direct cases to 
written form.
    (2) In hearings involving applications for new, improved and changed 
facilities and in comparative hearings involving only applications for 
new facilities, where it appears that it will contribute significantly 
to the disposition of the proceeding for the parties to submit all or 
any portion of their affirmative direct cases in writing, the presiding 
officer may, in his discretion, require them to do so.
    (3) In other broadcast proceedings, where it appears that it will 
contribute

[[Page 151]]

significantly to the disposition of the proceeding for the parties to 
submit all or any portion of their affirmative direct cases in writing, 
it is the policy of the Commission to encourage them to do so. However, 
the phase or phases of the proceeding to be submitted in writing, the 
dates for the exchange of the written material, and other limitations 
upon the effect of adopting the written case procedure (such as whether 
material ruled out as incompetent may be restored by other competent 
testimony) is to be left to agreement of the parties as approved by the 
presiding officer.
    (4) In broadcast comparative cases involving applicants for only new 
facilities, oral testimony and cross examination will be permitted only 
where, in the discretion of the presiding judge, material issues of 
decisional fact cannot be resolved without oral evidentiary hearing 
procedures or the public interest otherwise requires oral evidentiary 
proceedings.
    (e) An official transcript of all conferences shall be made.
    (f) The presiding officer may, upon the written request of a party 
or parties, approve the use of a speakerphone as a means of attendance 
at a prehearing conference if such use is found to conduce to the proper 
dispatch of business and the ends of justice.

[28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 33 FR 463, Jan. 12, 1968; 36 
FR 14133, July 30, 1971; 37 FR 7507, Apr. 15, 1972; 41 FR 14873, Apr. 8, 
1976; 43 FR 33251, July 31, 1978; 56 FR 793, Jan. 9, 1991]

Sec. 1.249  Prehearing statement.

    Immediately upon convening the formal hearing in any proceeding, the 
presiding officer shall enter upon the record a statement reciting all 
actions taken at the prehearing conferences, and incorporating into the 
record all of the stipulations and agreements of the parties which are 
approved by him, and any special rules which he may deem necessary to 
govern the course of the proceeding.

[28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963. Redesignated at 33 FR 463, Jan. 12, 1968]

                    Hearing and Intermediate Decision

Sec. 1.250  Discovery and preservation of evidence; cross-reference.

    For provisions relating to prehearing discovery and preservation of 
admissible evidence, see Secs. 1.311 through 1.325.

[33 FR 463, Jan. 12, 1968]

Sec. 1.251  Summary decision.

    (a)(1) Any party to an adjudicatory proceeding may move for summary 
decision of all or any of the issues set for hearing. The motion shall 
be filed at least 20 days prior to the date set for commencement of the 
hearing. The party filing the motion may not rest upon mere allegations 
or denials but must show, by affidavit or by other materials subject to 
consideration by the presiding officer, that there is no genuine issue 
of material fact for determination at the hearing.
    (2) With the permission of the presiding officer, or upon his 
invitation, a motion for summary decision may be filed at any time 
before or after the commencement of the hearing. No appeal from an order 
granting or denying a request for permission to file a motion for 
summary decision shall be allowed. If the presiding officer authorizes a 
motion for summary decision after the commencement of the hearing, 
proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law on those issues which 
the moving party believes can be resolved shall be attached to the 
motion, and any other party may file findings of fact and conclusions of 
law as an attachment to pleadings filed by him pursuant to paragraph (b) 
of this section.
    (b) Within 14 days after a motion for summary decision is filed, any 
other party to the proceeding may file an opposition or a countermotion 
for summary decision. A party opposing the motion may not rest upon mere 
allegations or denials but must show, by affidavit or by other materials 
subject to consideration by the presiding officer, that there is a 
genuine issue of material fact for determination at the hearing, that he 
cannot, for good cause, present by affidavit or otherwise facts 
essential to justify his opposition, or that summary decision is 
otherwise inappropriate.

[[Page 152]]

    (c) Affidavits shall be made on personal knowledge, shall set forth 
such facts as would be admissible in evidence, and shall show 
affirmatively that the affiant is competent to testify to the matters 
stated therein.
    (d) The presiding officer may, in his discretion, set the matter for 
argument and call for the submission of proposed findings, conclusions, 
briefs or memoranda of law. The presiding officer, giving appropriate 
weight to the nature of the proceeding, the issue or issues, the proof, 
and to the need for cross-examination, may grant a motion for summary 
decision to the extent that the pleadings, affidavits, materials 
obtained by discovery or otherwise, admissions, or matters officially 
noticed, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and 
that a party is otherwise entitled to summary decision. If it appears 
from the affidavits of a party opposing the motion that he cannot, for 
good cause shown, present by affidavit or otherwise facts essential to 
justify his opposition, the presiding officer may deny the motion, may 
order a continuance to permit affidavits to be obtained or discovery to 
be had, or make such other order as is just.
    (e) If all of the issues (or a dispositive issue) are determined on 
a motion for summary decision no hearing (or further hearing) will be 
held. The presiding officer will issue a Summary Decision, which is 
subject to appeal or review in the same manner as an Initial Decision. 
See Secs. 1.271 through 1.282. If some of the issues only (including no 
dispositive issue) are decided on a motion for summary decision, or if 
the motion is denied, the presiding officer will issue a memorandum 
opinion and order, interlocutory in character, and the hearing will 
proceed on the remaining issues. Appeal from interlocutory rulings is 
governed by Sec. 1.301.
    (f) The presiding officer may take any action deemed necessary to 
assure that summary decision procedures are not abused. He may rule in 
advance of a motion that the proceeding is not appropriate for summary 
decision, and may take such other measures as are necessary to prevent 
any unwarranted delay.
    (1) Should it appear to the satisfaction of the presiding officer 
that a motion for summary decision has been presented in bad faith or 
solely for the purpose of delay, or that such a motion is patently 
frivolous, he will enter a determination to that effect upon the record.
    (2) If, on making such determination, the presiding officer 
concludes that the facts warrant disciplinary action against an 
attorney, he will certify the matter to the Commission with his findings 
and recommendations, for consideration under Sec. 1.24.
    (3) If, on making such determination, the presiding officer 
concludes that the facts warrant a finding of bad faith on the part of a 
party to the proceeding, he will certify the matter to the Commission, 
with his findings and recommendations, for a determination as to whether 
the facts warrant addition of an issue as to the character 
qualifications of that party.

[37 FR 7507, Apr. 15, 1972, as amended at 42 FR 56508, Oct. 26, 1977]

Sec. 1.253  Time and place of hearing.

    (a) The Commission will specify the day on which and the place at 
which any hearing is to commence.
    (b) The presiding officer will specify the days on which subsequent 
hearing sessions are to be held.
    (c) If the Commission specifies that a hearing is to commence in the 
District of Columbia, it shall be moved therefrom only by order of the 
Commission.
    (d) If the Commission specifies that a hearing is to commence at a 
field location, all appropriate proceedings will be completed at such 
location before the hearing is moved therefrom. When such proceedings 
are completed, the presiding officer may move the hearing from the field 
location specified to another appropriate field location or to the 
District of Columbia.

Sec. 1.254  Nature of the hearing; burden of proof.

    Any hearing upon an application shall be a full hearing in which the 
applicant and all other parties in interest shall be permitted to 
participate but in which both the burden of proceeding with the 
introduction of evidence upon any issue specified by the Commission,

[[Page 153]]

as well as the burden of proof upon all such issues, shall be upon the 
applicant except as otherwise provided in the order of designation.

(Sec. 309, 48 Stat. 1085, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 309)

Sec. 1.255  Order of procedure.

    (a) At hearings on a formal complaint or petition or in a proceeding 
for any instrument of authorization which the Commission is empowered to 
issue, the complainant, petitioner, or applicant, as the case may be, 
shall, unless the Commission otherwise orders, open and close. At 
hearings on protests, the protestant opens and closes the proceedings in 
case the issues are not specifically adopted by the Commission; 
otherwise the grantee does so. At hearings on orders to show cause, to 
cease and desist, to revoke or modify a station license under sections 
312 and 316 of the Communications Act, or other like proceedings 
instituted by the Commission, the Commission shall open and close.
    (b) At all hearings under Title II of the Communications Act, other 
than hearings on formal complaints, petitions, or applications, the 
respondent shall open and close unless otherwise specified by the 
Commission.
    (c) In all other cases, the Commission or presiding officer shall 
designate the order of presentation. Intervenors shall follow the party 
in whose behalf intervention is made, and in all cases where the 
intervention is not in support of an original party, the Commission or 
presiding officer shall designate at what stage such intervenors shall 
be heard.

[28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 33 FR 463, Jan. 12, 1968]

Sec. 1.258  Closing of the hearing.

    The record of hearing shall be closed by an announcement to that 
effect at the hearing by the presiding officer when the taking of 
testimony has been concluded. In the discretion of the presiding 
officer, the record may be closed as of a future specified date in order 
to permit the admission into the record of exhibits to be prepared: 
Provided, The parties to the proceeding stipulate on the record that 
they waive the opportunity to cross-examine or present evidence with 
respect to such exhibits. The record in any hearing which has been 
adjourned may not be closed by such officer prior to the day on which 
the hearing is to resume, except upon 10 days' notice to all parties to 
the proceeding.

Sec. 1.260  Certification of transcript.

    After the close of the hearing, the complete transcript of 
testimony, together with all exhibits, shall be certified as to identity 
by the presiding officer and filed in the office of the Secretary of the 
Commission. Notice of such certification shall be served on all parties 
to the proceedings.

Sec. 1.261  Corrections to transcript.

    At any time during the course of the proceeding, or as directed by 
the presiding officer, but not later than 10 days after the date of 
notice of certification of the transcript, any party to the proceeding 
may file with the presiding officer a motion requesting the correction 
of the transcript, which motion shall be accompanied by proof of service 
thereof upon all other parties to the proceeding. Within 5 days after 
the filing of such a motion, other parties may file a pleading in 
support of or in opposition to such motion. Thereafter, the presiding 
officer shall, by order, specify the corrections to be made in the 
transcript, and a copy of the order shall be served upon all parties and 
made a part of the record. The presiding officer, on his own initiative, 
may specify corrections to be made in the transcript on 5 days' notice.

[40 FR 51441, Nov. 5, 1975]

Sec. 1.263  Proposed findings and conclusions.

    (a) Each party to the proceeding may file proposed findings of fact 
and conclusions, briefs, or memoranda of law: Provided, however, That 
the presiding officer may direct any party other than Commission counsel 
to file proposed findings of fact and conclusions, briefs, or memoranda 
of law. Such proposed findings of fact, conclusions, briefs, and 
memoranda of law shall be filed within 20 days after the record is 
closed, unless additional time is allowed.
    (b) All pleadings and other papers filed pursuant to this section 
shall be

[[Page 154]]

accompanied by proof of service thereof upon all other counsel in the 
proceeding; if a party is not represented by counsel, proof of service 
upon such party shall be made.
    (c) In the absence of a showing of good cause therefor, the failure 
to file proposed findings of fact, conclusions, briefs, or memoranda of 
law, when directed to do so, may be deemed a waiver of the right to 
participate further in the proceeding.

(5 U.S.C. 557)

Sec. 1.264  Contents of findings of fact and conclusions.

    Proposed findings of fact shall be set forth in serially numbered 
paragraphs and shall set out in detail and with particularity all basic 
evidentiary facts developed on the record (with appropriate citations to 
the transcript of record or exhibit relied on for each evidentiary fact) 
supporting the conclusions proposed by the party filing same. Proposed 
conclusions shall be separately stated. Proposed findings of fact and 
conclusions submitted by a person other than an applicant may be limited 
to those issues in connection with the hearing which affect the 
interests of such person.

(5 U.S.C. 557)

Sec. 1.267  Initial and recommended decisions.

    (a) Except as provided in this paragraph, in Secs. 1.94, 1.251 and 
1.274, or where the proceeding is terminated on motion (see Sec. 1.302), 
the presiding officer shall prepare an initial (or recommended) 
decision, which shall be transmitted to the Secretary of the Commission. 
In the case of rate making proceedings conducted under sections 201-205 
of the Communications Act, the presumption shall be that the presiding 
officer shall prepare an initial or recommended decision. The Secretary 
will make the decision public immediately and file it in the docket of 
the case.
    (b) Each initial and recommended decision shall contain findings of 
fact and conclusions, as well as the reasons or basis therefor, upon all 
the material issues of fact, law, or discretion presented on the record; 
each initial decision shall also contain the appropriate rule or order, 
and the sanction, relief or denial thereof; and each recommended 
decision shall contain recommendations as to what disposition of the 
case should be made by the Commission. Each initial decision will show 
the date upon which it will become effective in accordance with the 
rules in this part in the absence of exceptions, appeal, or review.
    (c) The authority of the Presiding Officer over the proceedings 
shall cease when he has filed his Initial or Recommended Decision, or if 
it is a case in which he is to file no decision, when he has certified 
the case for decision: Provided, however, That he shall retain limited 
jurisdiction over the proceeding for the purpose of effecting 
certification of the transcript and corrections to the transcript, as 
provided in Secs. 1.260 and 1.261, respectively, and for the purpose of 
ruling initially on applications for awards of fees and expenses under 
the Equal Access to Justice Act.

(Sec. 409, 48 Stat. 1096, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 409, 5 U.S.C. 557; secs. 
4, 303, 307, 48 Stat., as amended, 1066, 1082, 1083: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 
307)

[28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 41 FR 14873, Apr. 8, 1976; 47 
FR 3786, Jan. 27, 1982]

                           Review Proceedings

Sec. 1.271  Delegation of review function.

    The Commission may direct, by order or rule, that its review 
function in a case or category of cases be performed by a commissioner, 
or a panel of commissioners, in which event the commissioner or panel 
shall exercise the authority and perform the functions which would 
otherwise have been performed by the Commission under Secs. 1.273 
through 1.282.

    Note: To provide for an orderly completion of cases, exceptions and 
related pleadings filed after March 1, 1996, shall be directed to the 
Commission and will not be acted upon by the Review Board.

[62 FR 4171, Jan. 29, 1997]

Sec. 1.273  Waiver of initial or recommended decision.

    At the conclusion of the hearing or within 20 days thereafter, all 
parties to the proceeding may agree to waive an

[[Page 155]]

initial or recommended decision, and may request that the Commission 
issue a final decision or order in the case. If the Commission has 
directed that its review function in the case be performed by a 
commissioner, a panel of commissioners, the request shall be directed to 
the appropriate review authority. The Commission or such review 
authority may in its discretion grant the request, in whole or in part, 
if such action will best conduce to the proper dispatch of business and 
to the ends of justice.

[28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 62 FR 4171, Jan. 29, 1997]

Sec. 1.274  Certification of the record to the Commission for initial or 
          final decision.

    (a) Where the presiding officer is available to the Commission, and 
where the Commission finds upon the record that due and timely execution 
of its functions imperatively and unavoidably so requires, the 
Commission may direct that the record in a pending proceeding be 
certified to it for initial or final decision. Unless the Commission 
finds that due and timely execution of its functions imperatively and 
unavoidably requires that no recommended decision be issued, the 
presiding officer will prepare and file a recommended decision, which 
will be released with the Commission's initial or final decision.
    (b) Where the presiding officer becomes unavailable to the 
Commission after the taking of testimony has been concluded, the 
Commission may direct that the record in a pending proceeding be 
certified to it for initial or final decision. In that event, the record 
shall be certified to the Commission by the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge.
    (c)(1) Where the presiding officer becomes unavailable to the 
Commission after the taking of evidence has commenced but before it has 
been concluded, the Commission may order a rehearing before another 
presiding officer designated in accordance with Sec. 1.241.
    (2) Upon a finding that due and timely execution of its functions 
imperatively and unavoidably so requires, the Commission may (as an 
alternative) order that the hearing be continued by another presiding 
officer designated in accordance with Sec. 1.241 or by the Commission 
itself. In that event, the officer continuing the hearing shall, upon 
completion of the hearing, certify the proceeding to the Commission for 
an initial or final decision. Unless the Commission finds upon the 
record that due and timely execution of its functions imperatively and 
unavoidably requires that no recommended decision be issued, the officer 
continuing the hearing shall prepare and file a recommended decision to 
be released with the Commission's initial or final decision. If all the 
parties expressly consent, and if the Commission does not order 
otherwise, the officer continuing the hearing may prepare an initial 
decision.

(Sec. 409, 48 Stat. 1096, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 409)

Sec. 1.276  Appeal and review of initial decision.

    (a)(1) Within 30 days after the date on which public release of the 
full text of an initial decision is made, or such other time as the 
Commission may specify, any of the parties may appeal to the Commission 
by filing exceptions to the initial decision, and such decision shall 
not become effective and shall then be reviewed by the Commission, 
whether or not such exceptions may thereafter be withdrawn. It is the 
Commission's policy that extensions of time for filing exceptions shall 
not be routinely granted.
    (2) Exceptions shall be consolidated with the argument in a 
supporting brief and shall not be submitted separately. As used in this 
subpart, the term exceptions means the document consolidating the 
exceptions and supporting brief. The brief shall contain (i) a table of 
contents, (ii) a table of citations, (iii) a concise statement of the 
case, (iv) a statement of the questions of law presented, and (v) the 
argument, presenting clearly the points of fact and law relied upon in 
support of the position taken on each question, with specific reference 
to the record and all legal or other materials relied on.
    (b) The Commission may on its own initiative provide, by order 
adopted not later than 20 days after the time for filing exceptions 
expires, that an initial

[[Page 156]]

decision shall not become final, and that it shall be further reviewed 
or considered by the Commission.
    (c) In any case in which an initial decision is subject to review in 
accordance with paragraph (a) or (b) of this section, the Commission 
may, on its own initiative or upon appropriate requests by a party, take 
any one or more of the following actions:
    (1) Hear oral argument on the exceptions;
    (2) Require the filing of briefs;
    (3) Prior to or after oral argument or the filing of exceptions or 
briefs, reopen the record and/or remand the proceedings to the presiding 
officer to take further testimony or evidence;
    (4) Prior to or after oral argument or the filing of exceptions or 
briefs, remand the proceedings to the presiding officer to make further 
findings or conclusions; and
    (5) Prior to or after oral argument or the filing of exceptions or 
briefs, issue, or cause to be issued by the presiding officer, a 
supplemental initial decision.
    (d) No initial decision shall become effective before 50 days after 
public release of the full text thereof is made unless otherwise ordered 
by the Commission. The timely filing of exceptions, the further review 
or consideration of an initial decision on the Commission's initiative, 
or the taking of action by the Commission under paragraph (c) of this 
section shall stay the effectiveness of the initial decision until the 
Commission's review thereof has been completed. If the effective date of 
an initial decision falls within any further time allowed for the filing 
of exceptions, it shall be postponed automatically until 30 days after 
time for filing exceptions has expired.
    (e) If no exceptions are filed, and the Commission has not ordered 
the review of an initial decision on its initiative, or has not taken 
action under paragraph (c) of this section, the initial decision shall 
become effective, an appropriate notation to that effect shall be 
entered in the docket of the case, and a ``Public Notice'' thereof shall 
be given by the Commission. The provisions of Sec. 1.108 shall not apply 
to such public notices.
    (f) When any party fails to file exceptions within the specified 
time to an initial decision which proposes to deny its application, such 
party shall be deemed to have no interest in further prosecution of its 
application, and its application may be dismissed with prejudice for 
failure to prosecute.

(Sec. 40, 48 Stat. 1096, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 409)

[28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 41 FR 14873, Apr. 8, 1976]

Sec. 1.277  Exceptions; oral arguments.

    (a) The consolidated supporting brief and exceptions to the initial 
decision (see Sec. 1.276(a)(2)), including rulings upon motions or 
objections, shall point out with particularity alleged material errors 
in the decision or ruling and shall contain specific references to the 
page or pages of the transcript of hearing, exhibit or order if any on 
which the exception is based. Any objection not saved by exception filed 
pursuant to this section is waived.
    (b) Within the period of time allowed in Sec. 1.276(a) for the 
filing of exceptions, any party may file a brief in support of an 
initial decision, in whole or in part, which may contain exceptions and 
which shall be similar in form to the brief in support of exceptions 
(see Sec. 1.276(a)(2)).
    (c) Except by special permission, the consolidated brief and 
exceptions will not be accepted if the exceptions and argument exceed 25 
double-spaced typewritten pages in length. (The table of contents and 
table of citations are not counted in the 25 page limit; however, all 
other contents of and attachments to the brief are counted.) Within 10 
days, or such other time as the Commission or delegated authority may 
specify, after the time for filing exceptions has expired, any other 
party may file a reply brief, which shall not exceed 25 double spaced 
typewritten pages and shall contain a table of contents and a table of 
citations. If exceptions have been filed, any party may request oral 
argument not later than five days after the time for filing replies to 
the exceptions has expired. The Commission or delegated authority, in 
its discretion, will grant oral argument by order only in cases where 
such oral presentations will assist in the resolution of the issues 
presented. Within

[[Page 157]]

five days after release of an order designating an initial decision for 
oral argument, as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, any party 
who wishes to participate in oral argument shall file a written notice 
of intention to appear and participate in oral argument. Failure to file 
a written notice shall constitute a waiver of the opportunity to 
participate.
    (d) Each order scheduling a case for oral argument will contain the 
allotment of time for each party for oral argument before the 
Commission. The Commission will grant, in its discretion, upon good 
cause shown, an extension of such time upon petition by a party, which 
petition must be filed within 5 days after issuance of said order for 
oral argument.
    (e) Within 10 days after a transcript of oral argument has been 
filed in the office of the Secretary of the Commission, any party who 
participated in the oral argument may file with the Commission a motion 
requesting correction of the transcript, which motion shall be 
accompanied by proof of service thereof upon all other parties who 
participated in the oral argument. Within 5 days after the filing of 
such a motion, other parties may file a pleading in support of or in 
opposition to such motion. Thereafter, the officer who presided at the 
oral argument shall, by order, specify the corrections to be made in the 
transcript, and a copy of the order shall be served upon all parties to 
the proceeding. The officer who presided at the oral argument may, on 
his own initiative, by order, specify corrections to be made in the 
transcript on 5 days notice of the proposed corrections to all parties 
who participated in the oral argument.
    (f) Any commissioner who is not present at oral argument and who is 
otherwise authorized to participate in a final decision may participate 
in making that decision after reading the transcript of oral argument.

(Sec. 409, 48 Stat. 1096, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 409)

[28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 41 FR 14873, Apr. 8, 1976; 41 
FR 34259, Aug. 13, 1976; 44 FR 12426, Mar. 7, 1979; 56 FR 793, Jan. 9, 
1991; 62 FR 4171, Jan. 29, 1997]

Sec. 1.279  Limitation of matters to be reviewed.

    Upon review of any initial decision, the Commission may, in its 
discretion, limit the issues to be reviewed to those findings and 
conclusions to which exceptions have been filed, or to those findings 
and conclusions specified in the Commission's order of review issued 
pursuant to Sec. 1.276(b).

Sec. 1.282  Final decision of the Commission.

    (a) After opportunity has been afforded for the filing of proposed 
findings of fact and conclusions, exceptions, supporting statements, 
briefs, and for the holding of oral argument as provided in this 
subpart, the Commission will issue a final decision in each case in 
which an initial decision has not become final.
    (b) The final decision shall contain:
    (1) Findings of fact and conclusions, as well as the reasons or 
basis therefor, upon all the material issues of fact, law or discretion 
presented on the record;
    (2) Rulings on each relevant and material exception filed; the 
Commission will deny irrelevant exceptions, or those which are not of 
decisional significance, without a specific statement of reasons 
prescribed by paragraph (b)(1) of this section; and
    (3) The appropriate rule or oder and the sanction, relief or denial 
thereof.

(Sec. 8(b), 60 Stat. 2422; 5 U.S.C. 1007(b))

[28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 41 FR 14873, Apr. 8, 1976]

              Interlocutory Actions in Hearing Proceedings

Sec. 1.291  General provisions.

    (a)(1) The Commission acts on petitions to amend, modify, enlarge or 
delete the issues in hearing proceedings which involve rule making 
matters exclusively. It also acts on interlocutory pleadings filed in 
matters or proceedings which are before the Commission.
    (2) The Chief Administrative Law Judge acts on those interlocutory 
matters listed in Sec. 0.351 of this chapter.
    (3) All other interlocutory matters in hearing proceedings are acted 
on by

[[Page 158]]

the presiding officer. See Secs. 0.218 and 0.341 of this chapter.
    (4) Each interlocutory pleading shall indicate in its caption 
whether the pleading is to be acted upon by the Commission, the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge, or the presiding officer. If the pleading is 
to be acted upon by the presiding officer, he shall be identified by 
name.
    (b) All interlocutory pleadings shall be submitted in accordance 
with the provisions of Secs. 1.4, 1.44, 1.47, 1.48, 1.49, and 1.52.
    (c)(1) Procedural rules governing interlocutory pleadings are set 
forth in Secs. 1.294-1.298.
    (2) Rules governing appeal from, and reconsideration of, 
interlocutory rulings made by the presiding officer are set forth in 
Secs. 1.301 and 1.303.
    (3) Rules governing the review of interlocutory rulings made by the 
Chief Administrative Law Judge are set forth in Secs. 1.101, 1.102(b), 
1.115, and 1.117. Petitions requesting reconsideration of an 
interlocutory ruling made by the Commission, or the Chief Administrative 
Law Judge will not be entertained. See, however, Sec. 1.113.
    (d) No initial decision shall become effective under Sec. 1.276(e) 
until all interlocutory matters pending before the Commission in the 
proceeding at the time the initial decision is issued have been disposed 
of and the time allowed for appeal from interlocutory rulings of the 
presiding officer has expired.

(Secs. 4(i), 303(r) and 5(c)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934, as 
amended; 47 CFR 0.61 and 0.283)

[29 FR 6443, May 16, 1964, as amended at 29 FR 12773, Sept. 10, 1964; 37 
FR 19372, Sept. 20, 1972; 41 FR 14873, Apr. 8, 1976; 49 FR 4381, Feb. 6, 
1984; 62 FR 4171, Jan. 29, 1997]

Sec. 1.294  Oppositions and replies.

    (a) Any party to a hearing may file an opposition to an 
interlocutory request filed in that proceeding.
    (b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, oppositions 
shall be filed within 4 days after the original pleading is filed, and 
replies to oppositions will not be entertained. See, however, 
Sec. 1.732.
    (c) Oppositions to pleadings in the following categories shall be 
filed within 10 days after the pleading is filed. Replies to such 
oppositions shall be filed within 5 days after the opposition is filed, 
and shall be limited to matters raised in the opposition.
    (1) Petitions to amend, modify, enlarge, or delete the issues upon 
which the hearing was ordered.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (3) Petitions by adverse parties requesting dismissal of an 
application.
    (4) Joint requests for approval of agreements filed pursuant to 
Sec. 1.525.
    (d) Additional pleadings may be filed only if specifically requested 
or authorized by the person(s) who is to make the ruling.

[29 FR 6444, May 16, 1964, as amended at 39 FR 10909, Mar. 22, 1974]

Sec. 1.296  Service.

    No pleading filed pursuant to Sec. 1.51 or Sec. 1.294 will be 
considered unless it is accompanied by proof of service upon the parties 
to the proceeding.

(Secs. 4(i), 303(r) and 5(c)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934, as 
amended; 47 CFR 0.61 and 0.283)

[49 FR 4381, Feb. 6, 1984, as amended at 62 FR 4171, Jan. 29, 1997]

Sec. 1.297  Oral argument.

    Oral argument with respect to any contested interlocutory matter 
will be held when, in the opinion of the person(s) who is to make the 
ruling, the ends of justice will be best served thereby. Timely notice 
will be given of the date, time, and place of any such oral argument.

[29 FR 6444, May 16, 1964]

Sec. 1.298  Rulings; time for action.

    (a) Unless it is found that irreparable injury would thereby be 
caused one of the parties, or that the public interest requires 
otherwise, or unless all parties have consented to the contrary, 
consideration of interlocutory requests will be withheld until the time 
for filing oppositions (and replies, if replies are allowed) has 
expired. As a matter of discretion, however, requests for continuances 
and extensions of time, requests for permission to file pleadings in 
excess of the length prescribed in this chapter, and requests for 
temporary relief may be ruled upon ex parte without

[[Page 159]]

waiting for the filing of responsive pleadings.
    (b) In the discretion of the presiding officer, rulings on 
interlocutory matters may be made orally at the hearing. The presiding 
officer may, in his discretion, state his reasons on the record or 
subsequently issue a written statement of the reasons for his ruling, 
either separately or as part of the initial decision.

[28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 29 FR 6444, May 16, 1964; 41 
FR 14874, Apr. 8, 1976]

        Appeal and Reconsideration of Presiding Officer's Ruling

Sec. 1.301  Appeal from presiding officer's interlocutory ruling; 
          effective date of ruling.

    (a) Interlocutory rulings which are appealable as a matter of right. 
Rulings listed in this paragraph are appealable as a matter of right. An 
appeal from such a ruling may not be deferred and raised as an exception 
to the initial decision.
    (1) If the presiding officer's ruling denies or terminates the right 
of any person to participate as a party to a hearing proceeding, such 
person, as a matter of right, may file an appeal from that ruling.
    (2) If the presiding officer's ruling requires testimony or the 
production of documents, over objection based on a claim of privilege, 
the ruling on the claim of privilege is appealable as a matter of right.
    (3) If the presiding officer's ruling denies a motion to disqualify 
the presiding judge, the ruling is appealable as a matter of right.
    (4) Rulings granting a joint request filed under Sec. 1.525 without 
terminating the proceeding are appealable by any party as a matter of 
right.
    (5) A ruling removing counsel from the hearing is appealable as a 
matter of right, by counsel on his own behalf or by his client. (In the 
event of such ruling, the presiding officer will adjourn the hearing for 
such period as is reasonably necessary for the client to secure new 
counsel and for counsel to familiarize himself with the case).
    (b) Other interlocutory rulings. Except as provided in paragraph (a) 
of this section, appeals from interlocutory rulings of the presiding 
officer shall be filed only if allowed by the presiding officer. Any 
party desiring to file an appeal shall first file a request for 
permission to file appeal. The request shall be filed within 5 days 
after the order is released or (if no written order) after the ruling is 
made. Pleadings responsive to the request shall be filed only if they 
are requested by the presiding officer. The request shall contain a 
showing that the appeal presents a new or novel question of law or 
policy and that the ruling is such that error would be likely to require 
remand should the appeal be deferred and raised as an exception. The 
presiding officer shall determine whether the showing is such as to 
justify an interlocutory appeal and, in accordance with his 
determination, will either allow or disallow the appeal or modify the 
ruling. If the presiding officer allows or disallows the appeal, his 
ruling is final: Provided, however, That the Commission may, on its own 
motion, dismiss an appeal allowed by the presiding officer on the ground 
that objection to the ruling should be deferred and raised as an 
exception. In the discretion of the presiding officer, the request for 
permission to file appeal may be made orally, on the record of the 
proceeding. The request may be disposed of orally.
    (1) If an appeal is not allowed, or is dismissed by the Commission, 
or if permission to file an appeal is not requested, objection to the 
ruling may be raised on review of the initial decision.
    (2) If an appeal is allowed and is considered on its merits, the 
disposition on appeal is final. Objection to the ruling or to the action 
on appeal may not be raised on review of the initial decision.
    (3) If the presiding officer modifies the ruling, any party 
adversely affected by the modified ruling may file a request for 
permission to file appeal, pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph.
    (c) Procedures, effective date. (1) Unless the presiding officer 
orders otherwise, rulings made by him shall be effective when the order 
is released or (if no written order) when the ruling is made. The 
Commission may stay the

[[Page 160]]

effect of any ruling which comes before it for consideration on appeal.
    (2) Appeals filed under paragraph (a) of this section shall be filed 
within 5 days after the order is released or (if no written order) after 
the ruling is made. Appeals filed under paragraph (b) of this section 
shall be filed within 5 days after the appeal is allowed.
    (3) The appeal shall conform with the specifications set out in 
Sec. 1.49 and shall be subscribed and verified as provided in Sec. 1.52.
    (4) The appeal shall be served on parties to the proceeding (see 
Secs. 1.47 and 1.211), and shall be filed with the Secretary, Federal 
Communications Commission, Washington, D.C. 20554.
    (5) The appeal shall not exceed 5 double-spaced typewritten pages.
    (6) Appeals are acted on by the Commission.
    (7) Oppositions and replies shall be served and filed in the same 
manner as appeals and shall be served on appellant if he is not a party 
to the proceeding. Oppositions shall be filed within 5 days after the 
appeal is filed. Replies shall not be permitted, unless the Commission 
specifically requests them. Oppositions shall not exceed 5 double-spaced 
typewritten pages. Replies shall not exceed 5 double-spaced typewritten 
pages.

(Secs. 4, 303, 307, 48 Stat., as amended, 1066, 1082, 1083; 47 U.S.C. 
154, 303, 307)

[35 FR 17333, Nov. 11, 1970, as amended at 40 FR 39509, Aug. 28, 1975; 
41 FR 14874, Apr. 8, 1976; 41 FR 28789, July 13, 1976; 46 FR 58682, Dec. 
3, 1981; 55 FR 36641, Sept. 6, 1990; 62 FR 4171, Jan. 29, 1997]

Sec. 1.302  Appeal from presiding officer's final ruling; effective date 
          of ruling.

    (a) If the presiding officer's ruling terminates a hearing 
proceeding, any party to the proceeding, as a matter of right, may file 
an appeal from that ruling within 30 days after the ruling is released.
    (b) Any party who desires to preserve the right to appeal shall file 
a notice of appeal within 10 days after the ruling is released. If a 
notice of appeal is not filed within 10 days, the ruling shall be 
effective 30 days after the ruling is released and within this period, 
may be reviewed by the Commission on its own motion. If an appeal is not 
filed following notice of appeal, the ruling shall be effective 50 days 
after the day of its release and, within this period, may be reviewed by 
the Commission on its own motion. If an appeal is filed, or if the 
Commission reviews the ruling on its own motion, the effect of the 
ruling is further stayed pending the completion of proceedings on appeal 
or review.
    (c) The appeal shall conform with the specifications set out in 
Sec. 1.49 and shall be subscribed and verified as provided in Sec. 1.52.
    (d) The appeal shall be served on parties to the proceeding (see 
Secs. 1.47 and 1.211), and shall be filed with the Secretary, Federal 
Communications Commission, Washington, D.C. 20554.
    (e) The appeal shall not exceed 25 double-spaced typewritten pages.
    (f) The Commission will act on the appeal.
    (g) Oppositions and replies shall be filed and served in the same 
manner as the appeal. Oppositions to an appeal shall be filed within 15 
days after the appeal is filed. Replies to oppositions shall be filed 
within 10 days after the opposition is filed and shall be limited to 
matters raised in the oppositions. Oppositions shall not exceed 25 
double-spaced typewritten pages. Replies shall not exceed 10 double-
spaced typewritten pages.

[35 FR 17333, Nov. 11, 1970, as amended at 36 FR 7423, Apr. 20, 1971; 62 
FR 4171, Jan. 29, 1997]

               The Discovery and Preservation of Evidence

    Authority: Sections 1.311 through 1.325 are issued under secs. 4, 
303, 409, 48 Stat., as amended, 1066, 1082, 1096; 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 
409, 5 U.S.C. 552.

Sec. 1.311  General.

    Sections 1.311 through 1.325 provide for taking the deposition of 
any person (including a party), for interrogatories to parties, and for 
orders to parties relating to the production of documents and things and 
for entry upon real property. These procedures may be used for the 
discovery of relevant facts, for the production and preservation of 
evidence for use at the hearing, or for both purposes.

[[Page 161]]

    (a) Applicability. For purposes of discovery, these proecdures may 
be used in any case of adjudication (as defined in the Administrative 
Procedure Act) which has been designated for hearing. For the 
preservation of evidence, they may be used in any case which has been 
designated for hearing and is conducted under the provisions of this 
subpart (see Sec. 1.201).
    (b) Scope of examination. Persons and parties may be examined 
regarding any matter, not privileged, which is relevant to the hearing 
issues, including the existence, description, nature, custody, condition 
and location of any books, documents, or other tangible things and the 
identity and location of persons having knowledge of relevant facts. It 
is not ground for objection to use of these procedures that the 
testimony will be inadmissible at the hearing if the testimony sought 
appears reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible 
evidence. The use of these procedures against the Commission is subject 
to the following additional limitations:
    (1) The informer's privilege shall encompass information which may 
lead to the disclosure of an informer's identity.
    (2) Commission personnel may not be questioned by deposition for the 
purposes of discovery except on special order of the Commission, but may 
be questioned by written interrogatories under Sec. 1.323. 
Interrogatories shall be served on the appropriate Bureau Chief (see 
Sec. 1.21(b)). They will be answered and signed by those personnel with 
knowledge of the facts. The answers will be served by the Secretary of 
the Commission upon parties to the proceeding.
    (3) Commission records are not subject to discovery under 
Sec. 1.325. The inspection of Commission records is governed by the 
Freedom of Information Act, as amended, and by Secs. 0.451 through 0.467 
of this chapter. Commission employees may be questioned by written 
interrogatories regarding the existence, nature, description, custody, 
condition and location of Commission records, but may not be questioned 
concerning their contents unless the records are available (or are made 
available) for inspection under Secs. 0.451 through 0.467. See 
Sec. 0.451(b)(5) of this chapter.
    (4) Subject to paragraphs (b) (1) through (3) of this section, 
Commission personnel may be questioned generally by written 
interrogatories regarding the existence, description, nature, custody, 
condition and location of relevant documents and things and regarding 
the identity and location of persons having knowledge of relevant facts, 
and may otherwise only be examined regarding facts of the case as to 
which they have direct personal knowledge.
    (c) Schedule for use of the procedures. (1) In comparative broadcast 
proceedings involving applicants for only new facilities, discovery 
commences with the release of the hearing designation order, and, in 
routine cases, the discovery phase of the proceeding will be conducted 
in a manner intended to conclude that portion of the case within 90 days 
of the release of the designation order.
    (2) In all other proceedings, except as provided by special order of 
the presiding officer, discovery may be initiated before or after the 
prehearing conference provided for in Sec. 1.248 of this part.
    (3) In all proceedings, the presiding officer may at any time order 
the parties or their attorneys to appear at a conference to consider the 
proper use of these procedures, the time to be allowed for such use, 
and/or to hear agrument and render a ruling on disputes that arise under 
these rules.
    (d) Who shall act. Actions provided for in Secs. 1.311 through 1.325 
will, in most cases, be taken by the officer designated to preside at 
the hearing (see Sec. 1.241). If the proceeding, or a particular matter 
to which the action relates, is before the Commission, a commissioner or 
panel of commissioners, or the Chief Administrative Law Judge, the 
action will be taken by such officer or body. The term presiding 
officer, as used in Secs. 1.311 through 1.325 shall be understood to 
refer to the appropriate officer or body. See Secs. 0.341, 0.351, 0.365, 
and 1.271 of this chapter.

[[Page 162]]

    (e) Stipulations regarding the taking of depositions. If all of the 
parties so stipulate in writing and if there is no interference to the 
conduct of the proceeding, depositions may be taken before any person, 
at any time (subject to the limitation below) or place, upon any notice 
and in any manner, and when so taken may be used like other depositions. 
An original and one copy of the stipulation shall be filed with the 
Secretary of the Commission, and a copy of the stipulation shall be 
served on the presiding officer, at least 3 days before the scheduled 
taking of the deposition.

[33 FR 463, Jan. 12, 1968, as amended at 40 FR 39509, Aug. 28, 1975; 47 
FR 51873, Nov. 18, 1982; 56 FR 794, Jan. 9, 1991; 62 FR 4171, Jan. 29, 
1997]

Sec. 1.313  Protective orders.

    The use of the procedures set forth in Secs. 1.311 through 1.325 of 
this part is subject to control by the presiding officer, who may issue 
any order consistent with the provisions of those sections which is 
appropriate and just for the purpose of protecting parties and deponents 
or of providing for the proper conduct of the proceeding. Whenever doing 
so would be conducive to the efficient and expeditious conduct of the 
proceeding, the presiding officer may convene a conference to hear 
argument and issue a ruling on any disputes that may arise under these 
rules. The ruling, whether written or delivered on the record at a 
conference, may specify any measures, including the following to assure 
proper conduct of the proceeding or to protect any party or deponent 
from annoyance, expense, embarassment or oppression:
    (a) That depositions shall not be taken or that interrogatories 
shall not be answered.
    (b) That certain matters shall not be inquired into.
    (c) That the scope of the examination or interrogatories shall be 
limited to certain matters.
    (d) That depositions may be taken only at some designated time or 
place, or before an officer, other than that stated in the notice.
    (e) That depositions may be taken only by written interrogatories or 
only upon oral examination.
    (f) That, after being sealed, the deposition shall be opened only by 
order of the presiding officer.

[33 FR 463, Jan. 12, 1968, as amended at 56 FR 794, Jan. 9, 1991]

Sec. 1.315  Depositions upon oral examination--notice and preliminary 
          procedure.

    (a) Notice. A party to a hearing proceeding desiring to take the 
deposition of any person upon oral examination shall give a minimum of 
21 days notice in writing to every other party, to the person to be 
examined, and to the presiding officer. An original and three copies of 
the notice shall be filed with the Secretary of the Commission. Related 
pleadings shall be served and filed in the same manner. The notice shall 
contain the following information:
    (1) The name and address of each person to be examined, if known, 
and if the name is not known, a general description sufficient to 
identify him or the particular class or group to which he belongs.
    (2) The time and place for taking the deposition of each person to 
be examined, and the name or descriptive title and address of the 
officer before whom the deposition is to be taken.
    (3) The matters upon which each person will be examined. See 
Sec. 1.319.
    (b) Responsive pleadings. (1) Within 7 days after service of the 
notice to take depositions, a motion opposing the taking of depositions 
may be filed by any party to the proceeding or by the person to be 
examined. See Sec. 1.319(a).
    (2) Within 14 days after service of the notice to take depositions, 
a response to the opposition motion may be filed by any party to the 
proceeding.
    (3) Additional pleadings should not be filed and will not be 
considered.
    (4) The computation of time provisions set forth in Sec. 1.4(g) 
shall not apply to pleadings filed under the provisions of this 
paragraph.
    (c) Protective order. On an opposition motion filed under paragraph 
(b) of this section, or on his own motion, the presiding officer may 
issue a protective order. See Sec. 1.313. A protective order issued by 
the presiding officer on his own motion may be issued at any time

[[Page 163]]

prior to the date specified in the notice for the taking of depositions.
    (d) Authority to take depositions. (1) If an opposition motion is 
not filed within 7 days after service of the notice to take depositions, 
and if the presiding officer does not on his own motion issue a 
protective order prior to the time specified in the notice for the 
taking of depositions, the depositions described in the notice may be 
taken. An order for the taking of depositions is not required.
    (2) If an opposition motion is filed, the depositions described in 
the notice shall not be taken until the presiding officer has acted on 
that motion. If the presiding officer authorizes the taking of 
depositions, he may specify a time, place or officer for taking them 
different from that specified in the notice to take depositions.
    (3) If the presiding officer issues a protective order, the 
depositions described in the notice may be taken (if at all) only in 
accordance with the provisions of that order.
    (e) Broadcast comparative proceedings involving applicants for only 
new facilities. In these cases, the 21-day advance notice provision of 
paragraph (a) of this section shall be inapplicable to depositions of 
active and passive owners of applicants in the proceeding. All 
applicants in such proceedings should be prepared to make their active 
and passive owners available for depositions during the period 
commencing with the deadline for filing notices of appearance and ending 
90 days after the release of the designation order, if such depositions 
are requested by a party to the proceeding. All such depositions will be 
conducted in Washington, DC or in the community of license of the 
proposed station, at the deponent's option, unless all parties agree to 
some other location.

[33 FR 10571, July 25, 1968, as amended at 56 FR 794, Jan. 9, 1991]

Sec. 1.316  Depositions upon written interrogatories--notice and 
          preliminary procedure.

    (a) Service of interrogatories; notice. A party to the hearing 
proceeding desiring to take the deposition of any person upon written 
interrogatories shall serve the interrogatories upon every other party 
and shall give a minimum of 35 days notice in writing to every other 
party and to the person to be examined. An original and three copies of 
the interrogatories and the notice (and of all related pleadings) shall 
be filed with the Secretary of the Commission. A copy of the 
interrogatories and the notice (and of all related pleadings) shall be 
served on the presiding officer. The notice shall contain the following 
information:
    (1) The name and address of each person to be examined, if known, 
and if the name is not known, a general description sufficient to 
identify him or the particular class or group to which he belongs.
    (2) The time and place for taking the deposition of each person to 
be examined, and the name or descriptive title and address of the 
officer before whom the deposition is to be taken.
    (3) The matters upon which each person will be examined. See 
Sec. 1.319.
    (b) Additional interrogatories. Within 7 days after the filing and 
service of the original interrogatories, any other party to the 
proceeding may, in the same manner, file and serve additional 
interrogatories to be asked of the same witness at the same time and 
place, with notice to the witness of any additional matters upon which 
he will be examined.
    (c) Cross interrogatories. Within 14 days after the filing and 
service of the original interrogatories, any party to the proceeding 
may, in the same manner, file and serve cross interrogatories, which 
shall be limited to matters raised in the original or in the additional 
interrogatories.
    (d) Responsive pleadings. (1) Within 21 days after service of the 
original interrogatories, any party to the proceeding may move to limit 
or suppress any original, additional or cross interrogatory, and the 
person to be examined may file a motion opposing the taking of 
depositions. See Sec. 1.319(a).
    (2) Within 28 days after service of the original interrogatories, a 
response to a motion to limit or suppress any interrogatory or to a 
motion opposing the taking of depositions may be filed by any party to 
the proceeding.
    (3) Additional pleadings should not be filed and will not be 
considered.

[[Page 164]]

    (e) Protective order. On a motion to limit or suppress or an 
opposition motion filed under paragraph (d) of this section, or on his 
own motion, the presiding officer may issue a protective order. See 
Sec. 1.313. A protective order issued by the presiding officer on his 
own motion may be issued at any time prior to the date specified in the 
notice for the taking of depositions.
    (f) Authority to take depositions. (1) If an opposition motion is 
not filed within 21 days after service of the notice to take 
depositions, and if the presiding officer does not on his own motion 
issue a protective order prior to the time specified in the notice for 
the taking of depositions, the depositions described in the notice may 
be taken. An order for the taking of depositions is not required.
    (2) If an opposition motion is filed, the depositions described in 
the notice shall not be taken until the presiding officer has acted on 
that motion. If the presiding officer authorizes the taking of 
depositions, he may specify a time, place or officer for taking them 
different from that specified in the notice to take depositions.
    (3) If the presiding officer issues a protective order, the 
depositions described in the notice may be taken (if at all) only in 
accordance with the provisions of that order.

    Note: The computation of time provisions of Sec. 1.4(g) shall not 
apply to interrogatories and pleadings filed under the provisions of 
this section.

[33 FR 10571, July 25, 1968]

Sec. 1.318  The taking of depositions.

    (a) Persons before whom depositions may be taken. Depositions shall 
be taken before any judge of any court of the United States; any U.S. 
Commissioner; any clerk of a district court; any chancellor, justice or 
judge of a supreme or superior court; the mayor or chief magistrate of a 
city; any judge of a county court, or court of common pleas of any of 
the United States; any notary public, not being of counsel or attorney 
to any party, nor interested in the event of the proceeding; or 
presiding officers, as provided in Sec. 1.243.
    (b) Attendance of witnesses. The attendance of witnesses at the 
taking of depositions may be compelled by the use of subpena as provided 
in Secs. 1.331 through 1.340.
    (c) Oath; transcript. The officer before whom the deposition is to 
be taken shall administer an oath or affirmation to the witness and 
shall personally, or by someone acting under his direction and in his 
presence record the testimony of the witness. The testimony may be taken 
stenographically or, upon approval by the presiding officer, testimony 
may be taken through the use of telephonically or electronically 
recorded methods, including videotape. In the event these latter methods 
are used for the deposition, the parties may agree to the waiver of the 
provisions of paragraphs (e) and (f) as appropriate and as approved by 
the presiding officer.
    (d) Examination. (1) In the taking of depositions upon oral 
examination, the parties may proceed with examination and cross-
examination of deponents as permitted at the hearing. In lieu of 
participating in the oral examination, parties served with the notice to 
take depositions may transmit written interrogatories to the officer 
designated in the notice, who shall propound them to the witness and 
record the answers verbatim.
    (2) In the taking of depositions upon written interrogatories, the 
party who served the original interrogatories shall transmit copies of 
all interrogatories to the officer designated in the notice, who shall 
propound them to the witness and record the answers verbatim.
    (e) Submission of deposition to witness; changes; signing. When the 
testimony is fully transcribed, the deposition of each witness shall be 
submitted to him for examination and shall be read to or by him, unless 
such examination and reading are waiver by the witness and by the 
parties. Any changes in form or substance which the witness desires to 
make shall be entered upon the deposition by the officer with a 
statement of the reasons given by the witness for making them. The 
deposition shall then be signed by the witness, unless the parties by 
stipulation waive the signing, or the witness is ill, cannot be found, 
or refuses to sign. If the deposition is not signed by the witness, the 
officer shall sign it and state on the

[[Page 165]]

record the fact of the waiver, the illness or absence of the witness, or 
of his refusal to sign, together with the reason (if any) given 
therefor; and the deposition may then be used as fully as though signed, 
unless upon a motion to suppress, the presiding officer holds that the 
reason given for the refusal to sign requires rejection of the 
deposition in whole or in part.
    (f) Certification of deposition and filing by officer; copies. The 
officer shall certify on the deposition that the witness was duly sworn 
by him, that the deposition is a true record of the testimony given by 
the witness, and that said officer is not of counsel or attorney to 
either of the parties, nor interested in the event of the proceeding or 
investigation. He shall then securely seal the deposition in an envelope 
endorsed with the title of the action and marked ``Deposition of (here 
insert name of witness)'' and shall promptly send the original and two 
copies of the deposition and of all exhibits, together with the notice 
and any interrogatories received by him, by certified mail to the 
Secretary of the Commission.

[33 FR 463, Jan. 12, 1968, as amended at 47 FR 51873, Nov. 18, 1982]

Sec. 1.319  Objections to the taking of depositions.

    (a) Objections to be made by motion prior to the taking of 
depositions. If there is objection to the substance of any interrogatory 
or to examination on any matter clearly covered by the notice to take 
depositions, the objection shall be made in a motion opposing the taking 
of depositions or in a motion to limit or suppress the interrogatory as 
provided in Secs. 1.315(b) and 1.316(d) and shall not be made at the 
taking of the deposition.
    (b) Objections to be made at the taking of depositions. Errors and 
irregularities occurring at the oral examination in the manner of taking 
the deposition, in the form of the questions or answers, in the oath or 
affirmation, or in the conduct of parties, and errors of any kind which 
might be obviated, removed, or cured if promptly presented, are waived 
unless reasonable objection thereto is made at the taking of the 
deposition. If such objection is made, counsel shall, if possible, agree 
upon the measures required to obviate, remove, or cure such errors. The 
measures agreed upon shall be taken. If agreement cannot be reached, the 
objection shall be noted on the deposition by the officer taking it, and 
the testimony objected to shall be taken subject to the objection.
    (c) Additional objections which may be made at the taking of 
depositions. Objection may be made at the taking of depositions on the 
ground of relevancy or privilege, if the notice to take depositions does 
not clearly indicate that the witness is to be examined on the matters 
to which the objection relates. See paragraph (a) of this section. 
Objection may also be made on the ground that the examination is being 
conducted in such manner as to unreasonably annoy, embarrass, or oppress 
a deponent or party.
    (1) When there is objection to a line of questioning, as permitted 
by this paragraph, counsel shall, if possible, reach agreement among 
themselves regarding the proper limits of the examination.
    (2) If counsel cannot agree on the proper limits of the examination 
the taking of depositions shall continue on matters not objected to and 
counsel shall, within 24 hours, either jointly or individually, 
telegraph statements of their positions to the presiding officer, 
together with the telephone numbers at which they and the officer taking 
the depositions can be reached, or shall otherwise jointly confer with 
the presiding officer. If individual statements are submitted, copies 
shall be provided to all counsel participating in the taking of 
depositions.
    (3) The presiding officer shall promptly rule upon the question 
presented or take such other action as may be appropriate under 
Sec. 1.313, and shall give notice of his ruling, by telephone, to 
counsel who submitted statements and to the officer taking the 
depositions. The presiding officer shall thereafter reduce his ruling to 
writing.
    (4) The taking of depositions shall continue in accordance with the 
presiding officer's ruling. Such rulings are not subject to appeal.

[33 FR 463, Jan. 12, 1968]

[[Page 166]]

Sec. 1.321  Use of depositions at the hearing.

    (a) No inference concerning the admissibility of a deposition in 
evidence shall be drawn because of favorable action on the notice to 
take depositions.
    (b) Except as provided in this paragraph and in Sec. 1.319, 
objection may be made at the hearing to receiving in evidence any 
deposition or part thereof for any reason which would require the 
exclusion of the evidence if the witness were then present and 
testifying.
    (1) Objections to the competency of a witness, or the competency, 
relevancy or materiality of testimony are waived by failure to make them 
before or during the taking of depositions if (and only if) the ground 
of the objection is one which might have been obviated or removed if 
presented at that time.
    (2) Objection on the ground of privilege is waived by failure to 
make it before or during the taking of depositions.
    (c) A party shall not be deemed to make a person his own witness for 
any purpose by taking his deposition. The introduction in evidence of 
the deposition or any part thereof for any purpose other than that of 
contradicting or impeaching the deponent makes the deponent the witness 
of the party introducing the deposition, but this shall not apply to the 
use by an adverse party of a deposition as described in paragraph (d)(2) 
of this section. At the hearing any party may rebut any relevant 
evidence contained in a deposition whether introduced by him or by any 
other party.
    (d) At the hearing (or in a pleading), any part or all of a 
deposition, so far as admissible, may be used against any party who was 
present or represented at the taking of the deposition or who had due 
notice thereof, in accordance with any one of the following provisions:
    (1) Any deposition may be used by any party for the purpose of 
contradicting or impeaching the testimony of deponent as a witness.
    (2) The deposition of a party or of any one who at the time of 
taking the deposition was an officer, director, or managing agent of a 
public or private corporation, partnership or association which is a 
party may be used by an adverse party for any purpose.
    (3) To the extent that the affirmative direct case of a party is 
made in writing pursuant to Sec. 1.248(d), the deposition of any 
witness, whether or not a party, may be used by any party for any 
purpose, provided the witness is made available for cross-examination. 
In all cases, the deposition of a witness, whether or not a party, may 
be used by any party for any purpose if the presiding officer finds: (i) 
That the witness is dead; or (ii) that the witness is out of the United 
States, unless it appears that the absence of the witness was procured 
by the party offering the deposition; or (iii) that the witness is 
unable to attend or testify because of age, sickness, infirmity, or 
imprisonment; or (iv) upon application and notice, that such exceptional 
circumstances exist as to make it desirable in the interest of justice 
and with due regard to the importance of presenting the testimony of 
witnesses orally in open hearing, to allow the deposition to be used.
    (4) If only part of a deposition is offered in evidence by a party, 
an adverse party may require him to introduce all of it which is 
relevant to the part introduced, and any party may introduce any other 
parts.
    (5) Substitution of parties does not affect the right to use 
depositions previously taken; and, when an action in any hearing has 
been dismissed and another action involving the same subject matter is 
afterward brought between the same parties or their representatives or 
successors in interest, all depositions lawfully taken and duly filed in 
the former action may be used in the latter as if originally taken 
therefor.

[33 FR 463, Jan. 12, 1968, as amended at 41 FR 14874, Apr. 8, 1976]

Sec. 1.323  Interrogatories to parties.

    (a) Interrogatories. Any party may serve upon any other party 
written interrogatories to be answered in writing by the party served 
or, if the party served is a public or private corporation or a 
partnership or association, by any officer or agent, who shall furnish 
such information as is available to the party. A copy of the 
interrogatories

[[Page 167]]

shall be served upon all parties to the proceeding. An original and 
three copies of the interrogatories, answers, and all related pleadings 
shall be filed with the Secretary of the Commission. A copy of the 
interrogatories, answers and all related pleadings shall be served on 
the presiding officer.
    (1) Except as otherwise provided in a protective order, the number 
of interrogatories or sets of interrogatories is not limited.
    (2) Except as provided in such an order, interrogatories may be 
served after a deposition has been taken, and a deposition may be sought 
after interrogatories have been answered.
    (b) Answers and objections. Each interrogatory shall be answered 
separately and fully in writing under oath or affirmation, unless it is 
objected to, in which event the reasons for objection shall be stated in 
lieu of an answer. The answers shall be signed by the person making 
them, and the objections by the attorney making them. The party upon 
whom the interrogatories were served shall serve a copy of the answers 
and objections upon all parties to the proceeding within 14 days after 
service of the interrogatories, or within such shorter or longer period 
as the presiding officer may allow. Answers may be used in the same 
manner as depositions of a party (see Sec. 1.321(d)).
    (c) Motion to compel an answer. Any party to the proceeding may, 
within 7 days, move for an order with respect to any objection or other 
failure to answer an interrogatory. For purposes of this paragraph, an 
evasive or incomplete answer is a failure to answer; and if the motion 
is based on the assertion that the answer is evasive or incomplete, it 
shall contain a statement as to the scope and detail of an answer which 
would be considered responsive and complete. The party upon whom the 
interrogatories were served may file a response within 7 days after the 
motion is filed, to which he may append an answer or an amended answer. 
Additional pleadings should not be submitted and will not be considered.
    (d) Action by the presiding officer. If the presiding officer 
determines that an objection is not justified, he shall order that the 
answer be served. If an interrogatory has not been answered, the 
presiding officer may rule that the right to object has been waived and 
may order that an answer be served. If an answer does not comply fully 
with the requirements of this section, the presiding officer may order 
that an amended answer be served, may specify the scope and detail of 
the matters to be covered by the amended answer, and may specify any 
appropriate procedural consequences (including adverse findings of fact 
and dismissal with prejudice) which will follow from the failure to make 
a full and responsive answer. If a full and responsive answer is not 
made, the presiding officer may issue an order invoking any of the 
procedural consequences specified in the order to compel an answer.
    (e) Appeal. As order to compel an answer is not subject to appeal.

[33 FR 10572, July 25, 1968, as amended at 35 FR 17334, Nov. 11, 1970]

Sec. 1.325  Discovery and production of documents and things for 
          inspection, copying, or photographing.

    (a) A party to a Commission proceeding may request any other party 
except the Commission to produce and permit inspection and copying or 
photographing, by or on behalf of the requesting party, of any 
designated documents, papers, books, accounts, letters, photographs, 
objects, or tangible things which constitute or contain evidence within 
the scope of the examination permitted by Sec. 1.311(b) of this part and 
which are in his possession, custody, or control or to permit entry upon 
designated land or other property in his possession or control for 
purposes of inspecting, measuring, surveying, or photographing the 
property or any designated object or operation thereon within the scope 
of the examination permitted by Sec. 1.311(b) of this part.
    (1) Such requests need not be filed with the presiding officer, but 
copies of the request shall be served on all other parties to the 
proceeding.
    (2) The party against whom the request was made must, within 10 
days, comply with the request or object to the request, claiming a 
privilege or raising other proper objections. If the request is not 
complied with in whole or in part, the requesting party may

[[Page 168]]

file a motion to compel production of documents or access to property 
with the presiding officer. A motion to compel must be accompanied by a 
copy of the original request and the responding party's objection or 
claim of privilege. Motions to compel must be filed within five business 
days of the objection or claim of privilege.
    (3) In resolving any disputes involving the production of documents 
or access to property, the presiding officer may direct that the 
materials objected to be presented to him for in camera inspection.
    (b) Any party seeking the production of Commission records should 
proceed under Sec. 0.460 or Sec. 0.461 of this chapter. See Secs. 0.451 
through 0.467.
    (c) In comparative broadcast proceedings involving applicants for 
only new facilities, all applicants will serve the materials listed in 
the Standard Document Production Order and the Standardized Integration 
Statement on all other parties in the case that have filed Notices of 
Appearance. The exchange of these materials must be accomplished within 
five days after the date established for filing notices of appearance 
(see Sec. 1.221).
    (1) Standard Document Production Order. The following documents must 
be produced or objected to on grounds of privilege (Unless otherwise 
directed by the presiding officer, copies of these documents should not 
be filed with the presiding officer):
    (i) All formation and organizational documents, including articles 
of incorporation, by laws, partnership agreements, voting rights, 
proxies, and any amendments to the foregoing documents;
    (ii) All minutes of meetings relating to the application;
    (iii) All documents relating to the rights or plans of persons or 
entities to purchase an interest in the applicant or of current owners 
to alineate their interests;
    (iv) All documents relating to pledges, mortgages, security 
interests, or other encumbrances of any kind with respect to the 
applicant;
    (v) All bank letters and other financing documents with the dollar 
amounts unexpurgated;
    (vi) All documents relating to the applicant's proposed transmitter 
site;
    (vii) All documents relating to communications by proposed 
integrated principals with respect to their proposed participation in 
the management of the station and the disposition of their current 
employment;
    (viii) All documents relating to prior integration pledges made by 
principals who propose to be integrated into the management of the 
station at issue;
    (ix) All documents relating to communications by and between 
principals of the applicant concerning the application, including 
communications between active and passive principals;
    (x) Representative documents relating to enhancement credits and 
preferences sought by the applicant's principals for local residence, 
civic participation, past broadcast experience, minority/female status, 
and the like;
    (xi) All documents relating to commitments to divest other media 
interests; and
    (xii) All documents that identify or describe the principals who are 
responsible for completing the application, arranging financing, 
obtaining the applicant's transmitter site, publishing the required 
notices, establishing the local public inspection file, and retaining 
lawyers, engineers, and other professionals.
    (2) Standardized Integration Statement. On the same day that 
documents are exchanged pursuant to the Standardized Document Production 
Order, the following information must also be provided by all applicants 
(Copies of this statement should be filed with the presiding officer and 
served on all parties to the proceeding that have filed Notices of 
Appearance):
    (i) The ownership structure of the applicant, i.e., whether it is a 
partnership, limited partnership, or a corporation (if a corporation, 
indicate whether it has voting and non-voting stock);
    (ii) The ownership percentage of each owner;
    (iii) The identity of the owners who will work at the proposed 
station, what titles and duties they will have, how many hours they will 
work per week, and how they will reconcile any current business 
interests or employment with that commitment to the station;

[[Page 169]]

    (iv) All other media interests held by the persons identified under 
paragraph (c)(2)(ii), of this section;
    (v) Whether the integrated owners will claim credit for minority or 
female ownership and if so, specifically on what basis;
    (vi) Whether the integrated owners will claim credit for local 
residence and civic involvement in the city of license or service area 
and if so, specifically on what basis (including a detailed chronology 
of past residence and a description of civic activities and their 
duration);
    (vii) Whether the integrated owners will claim credit for previous 
broadcast experience and if so, provide a detailed list of the stations 
they worked at, the titles and duties they had, and the years in which 
they were so employed; and
    (viii) Whether the applicant will claim a daytimer preference and if 
so, specifically on what basis.
    (3) Supplemental document production. Parties may request additional 
relevant documents, not called for in the Standard Document Production 
Order, at any time after the release of the designation order. 
Supplemental requests for documents based on materials exchanged 
pursuant to the Standardized Document Production Order and Standardized 
Integration Statement must be filed no later than ten days after those 
standardized exchanges. Other supplemental document requests must be 
filed no later than ten days after receipt of the information on which 
those requests are based. Supplemental document requests will be handled 
under the procedures established in paragraph (a) of this section. To 
facilitate the resolution of disputes concerning the production of 
documents, the presiding officer may convene a pre-hearing conference to 
hear argument on and dispose of any such disputes.

[33 FR 463, Jan. 12, 1968, as amended at 40 FR 39509, Aug. 28, 1975; 56 
FR 794, Jan. 9, 1991; 56 FR 25639, June 5, 1991]

                                Subpenas

    Authority: Sections 1.331 and 1.333 through 1.340 are issued under 
sec. 409, 48 Stat. 1096; 47 U.S.C. 409.

Sec. 1.331  Who may sign and issue.

    Subpenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses, and 
subpenas requiring the production of any books, papers, schedules of 
charges, contracts, agreements, and documents relating to any matter 
under investigation or hearing, may be signed and issued as follows:
    (a) Hearings before the Commission en banc, an individual 
commissioner, or a panel of commissioners: By any commissioner 
participating in the conduct of the hearing.
    (b) Hearings before an administrative law judge: By the 
administrative law judge or, in his absence, by the Chief Administrative 
Law Judge.

Sec. 1.333  Requests for issuance of subpena.

    (a) Unless submitted on the record while a hearing is in progress, 
requests for a subpena ad testificandum shall be submitted in writing.
    (b) Requests for a subpena duces tecum shall be submitted in 
writing, duly subscribed and verified, and shall specify with 
particularity the books, papers, and documents desired and the facts 
expected to be proved thereby. Where the subpena duces tecum request is 
directed to a nonparty to the proceeding, the presiding officer may 
issue the same, upon request, without an accompanying subpena to enforce 
a notice to take depositions, provided for in paragraph (e) of this 
section, where it appears that the testimony of said person is not 
required in connection with the subpena duces tecum.
    (c) All requests for subpenas shall be supported by a showing of the 
general relevance and materiality of the evidence sought.
    (d) Requests for subpenas shall be submitted in triplicate, but need 
not be served on the parties to the proceeding.
    (e) Requests for issuance of a subpena ad testificandum to enforce a 
notice to take depositions shall be submitted in writing. Such requests 
may be submitted with the notice or at a later date. The request shall 
not be granted until the period for the filing of motions opposing the 
taking of depositions has expired or, if a motion has been filed, until 
that motion has been acted on. Regardless of the time when

[[Page 170]]

the subpena request is submitted, it need not be accompanied by a 
showing that relevant and material evidence will be adduced, but merely 
that the person will be examined regarding a nonprivileged matter which 
is relevant to the hearing issues. The subpena request may ask that a 
subpena duces tecum be contemporaneously issued commanding the person to 
whom it is directed to produce designated books, papers, documents, or 
tangible things which constitute or contain evidence relating to any of 
the matters within the scope of the examination permitted by 
Sec. 1.311(b) but in that event the subpena request will be subject to 
the provisions of Sec. 1.313 and paragraph (b) of this section.
    (f) Requests for issuance of a subpena duces tecum to enforce an 
order for the production of documents and things for inspection and 
copying under Sec. 1.325 may be submitted with the motion requesting the 
issuance of such an order. Regardless of the time when the subpena 
request is submitted, it need not be accompanied by a showing that 
relevant and material evidence will be adduced, but merely that the 
documents and things to be examined contain nonprivileged matter which 
is relevant to the subject matter of the proceeding.

[28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 33 FR 466, Jan. 12, 1968; 47 
FR 51873, Nov. 18, 1982]

Sec. 1.334  Motions to quash.

    Any person against whom a subpena is directed may file a motion to 
quash or limit the subpena, setting forth the reasons why the subpena 
should not be complied with or why it should be limited in scope.

Sec. 1.335  Rulings.

    Prompt notice, including a brief statement of the reasons therefor, 
will be given of the denial, in whole or in part, of a request for 
subpena or of a motion to quash.

Sec. 1.336  Service of subpenas.

    (a) A subpena may be served by a United States marshal or his 
deputy, by Commission personnel, or by any person who is not a party to 
the proceeding and is not less than 18 years of age.
    (b) Service of a subpena upon the person named therein shall be made 
by exhibiting the original subpena to him, by reading the original 
subpena to him if he is unable to read, by delivering the duplicate 
subpena to him, and by tendering to him the fees for one day's 
attendance at the proceeding to which he is summoned and the mileage 
allowed by law. If the subpena is issued on behalf of the United States 
or an officer or agency thereof, attendance fees and mileage need not be 
tendered.

Sec. 1.337  Return of service.

    (a) If service of the subpena is made by a person other than a 
United States marshal or his deputy such person shall make affidavit 
thereof, stating the date, time, and manner of service.
    (b) In case of failure to make service, the reasons for the failure 
shall be stated on the original subpena by the person who attempted to 
make service.
    (c) The original subpena, bearing or accompanied by the required 
return affidavit or statement, shall be returned forthwith to the 
Secretary of the Commission or, if so directed on the subpena, to the 
official before whom the person named in the subpena is required to 
appear.

Sec. 1.338  Subpena forms.

    (a) Subpena forms, marked ``Original'', ``Duplicate'', and 
``Triplicate'', and bearing the Commission's seal, may be obtained from 
the Commission's Dockets Division. These forms are to be completed and 
submitted with any request for issuance of a subpena.
    (b) If the request for issuance of a subpena is granted, the 
``Original'' and ``Duplicate'' copies of the subpena are returned to the 
person who submitted the request. The ``Triplicate'' copy is retained 
for the Commission's files.
    (c) The ``Original'' copy of the subpena includes a form for proof 
of service. This form is to be executed by the person who effects 
service and returned by him to the Secretary of the Commission or, if so 
directed on the subpena, to the official before whom the person named in 
the subpena is required to appear.
    (d) The ``Duplicate'' copy of the subpena shall be served upon the 
person

[[Page 171]]

named therein and retained by him. This copy should be presented in 
support of any claim for witness fees or mileage allowances for 
testimony on behalf of the Commission.

Sec. 1.339  Witness fees.

    Witnesses who are subpenaed and respond thereto are entitled to the 
same fees, including mileage, as are paid for like service in the courts 
of the United States. Fees shall be paid by the party at whose instance 
the testimony is taken.

Sec. 1.340  Attendance of witness; disobedience.

    The attendance of witnesses and the production of documentary 
evidence may be required from any place in the United States at any 
designated place of hearing. In case of disobedience to a subpena, the 
Commission or any party to a proceeding before the Commission may invoke 
the aid of any court of the United States in requiring the attendance 
and testimony of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence.

                                Evidence

Sec. 1.351  Rules of evidence.

    Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, the rules of evidence 
governing civil proceedings in matters not involving trial by jury in 
the courts of the United States shall govern formal hearings. Such rules 
may be relaxed if the ends of justice will be better served by so doing.

Sec. 1.352  Cumulative evidence.

    The introduction of cumulative evidence shall be avoided, and the 
number of witnesses that may be heard in behalf of a party on any issue 
may be limited.

Sec. 1.353  Further evidence during hearing.

    At any stage of a hearing, the presiding officer may call for 
further evidence upon any issue and may require such evidence to be 
submitted by any party to the proceeding.

Sec. 1.354  Documents containing matter not material.

    If material and relevant matter offered in evidence is embraced in a 
document containing other matter not material or relevant, and not 
intended to be put in evidence, such document will not be received, but 
the party offering the same shall present to other counsel, and to the 
presiding officer, the original document, together with true copies of 
such material and relevant matter taken therefrom, as it is desired to 
introduce. Upon presentation of such matter, material and relevant, in 
proper form, it may be received in evidence, and become a part of the 
record. Other counsel will be afforded an opportunity to introduce in 
evidence, in like manner, other portions of such document if found to be 
material and relevant.

Sec. 1.355  Documents in foreign language.

    Every document, exhibit, or other paper written in a language other 
than English, which shall be filed in any proceeding, or in response to 
any order, shall be filed in the language in which it is written 
together with an English translation thereof duly verified under oath to 
be a true translation. Each copy of every such document, exhibit, or 
other paper filed shall be accompanied by a separate copy of the 
translation.

Sec. 1.356  Copies of exhibits.

    No document or exhibit, or part thereof, shall be received as, or 
admitted in, evidence unless offered in duplicate. In addition, when 
exhibits of a documentary character are to be offered in evidence, 
copies shall be furnished to other counsel unless the presiding officer 
otherwise directs.

Sec. 1.357  Mechanical reproductions as evidence.

    Unless offered for the sole purpose of attempting to prove or 
demonstrate sound effect, mechanical or physical reproductions of sound 
waves shall not be admitted in evidence. Any party desiring to offer any 
matter alleged to be contained therein or thereupon shall have such 
matter typewritten on paper of the size prescribed by Sec. 1.49, and the 
same shall be identified and offered in

[[Page 172]]

duplicate in the same manner as other exhibits.

Sec. 1.358  Tariffs as evidence.

    In case any matter contained in a tariff schedule on file with the 
Commission is offered in evidence, such tariff schedule need not be 
produced or marked for identification, but the matter so offered shall 
be specified with particularity (tariff and page number) in such manner 
as to be readily identified, and may be received in evidence by 
reference subject to check with the original tariff schedules on file.

Sec. 1.359  Proof of official record; authentication of copy.

    An official record or entry therein, when admissible for any 
purpose, may be evidenced by an official publication thereof or by a 
copy attested by the officer having legal custody of the record, or by 
his deputy, and accompanied with a certificate that such officer has the 
custody. If the office in which the record is kept is within the United 
States or within a territory or insular possession subject to the 
dominion of the United States, the certificate may be made by the judge 
of a court of record of the district or political subdivision in which 
the record is kept, authenticated by the seal of the court, or may be 
made by any public officer having a seal of office having official 
duties in the district or political subdivision in which the record is 
kept, authenticated by the seal of his office. If the office in which 
the record is kept is in a foreign state or country, the certificate may 
be made by a secretary of embassy or legation, consul general, consul, 
vice consul, or consular agent, or by any officer in the foreign service 
of the United States stationed in the foreign state or country in which 
the record is kept, and authenticated by the seal of his office.

Sec. 1.360  Proof of lack of record.

    The absence of an official record or entry of a specified tenor in 
an official record may be evidenced by a written statement signed by an 
officer, or by his deputy, who would have custody of the official 
record, if it existed, that after diligent search no record or entry of 
a specified tenor is found to exist in the records of his office, 
accompanied by a certificate as provided in Sec. 1.359. Such statement 
and certificate are admissible as evidence that the records of his 
office contain no such record or entry.

Sec. 1.361  Other proof of official record.

    Sections 1.359 and 1.360 do not prevent the proof of official 
records or of entry or lack of entry therein by any method authorized by 
any applicable statute or by the rules of evidence at common law.

Sec. 1.362  Production of statements.

    After a witness is called and has given direct testimony in a 
hearing, and before he is excused, any party may move for the production 
of any statement of such witness, or part thereof, pertaining to his 
direct testimony, in possession of the party calling the witness, if 
such statement has been reduced to writing and signed or otherwise 
approved or adopted by the witness. Such motion shall be directed to the 
presiding officer. If the party declines to furnish the statement, the 
testimony of the witness pertaining to the requested statement shall be 
stricken.

[33 FR 466, Jan. 12, 1968]

Sec. 1.363  Introduction of statistical data.

    (a) All statistical studies, offered in evidence in common carrier 
hearing proceedings, including but not limited to sample surveys, 
econometric analyses, and experiments, and those parts of other studies 
involving statistical methodology shall be described in a summary 
statement, with supplementary details added in appendices so as to give 
a comprehensive delineation of the assumptions made, the study plan 
utilized and the procedures undertaken. In the case of sample surveys, 
there shall be a clear description of the survey design, including the 
definition of the universe under study, the sampling frame, and the 
sampling units; an explanation of the method of selecting the sample and 
the characteristics measured or counted. In the case of econometric 
investigations, the econometric model shall be completely described and 
the reasons given for each

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assumption and statistical specification. The effects on the final 
results of changes in the assumptions should be made clear. When 
alternative models and variables have been employed, a record shall be 
kept of these alternative studies, so as to be available upon request. 
In the case of experimental analyses, a clear and complete description 
of the experimental design shall be set forth, including a specification 
of the controlled conditions and how the controls were realized. In 
addition, the methods of making observations and the adjustments, if 
any, to observed data shall be described. In the case of every kind of 
statistical study, the following items shall be set forth clearly: The 
formulas used for statistical estimates, standard errors and test 
statistics, the description of statistical tests, plus all related 
computations, computer programs and final results. Summary descriptions 
of input data shall be submitted. Upon request, the actual input data 
shall be made available.
    (b) In the case of all studies and analyses offered in evidence in 
common carrier hearing proceedings, other than the kinds described in 
paragraph (a) of this section, there shall be a clear statement of the 
study plan, all relevant assumptions and a description of the techniques 
of data collection, estimation and/or testing. In addition, there shall 
be a clear statement of the facts and judgments upon which conclusions 
are based and a statement of the relative weights given to the various 
factors in arriving at each conclusion, together with an indication of 
the alternative courses of action considered. Lists of input data shall 
be made available upon request.

[35 FR 16254, Oct. 16, 1970]

Sec. 1.364  Testimony by speakerphone.

    (a) If all parties to the proceeding consent and the presiding 
officer approves, the testimony of a witness may be taken by 
speakerphone.
    (b) Documents used by the witness shall be made available to counsel 
by the party calling the witness in advance of the speakerphone 
testimony. The taking of testimony by speakerphone shall be subject to 
such other ground rules as the parties may agree upon.

[43 FR 33251, July 31, 1978]
