The announcement that Ofcom is to remove Programme Making & Special Events (PMSE) users from the 700MHz band of radio spectrum represents ‘a real danger to some of the UK’s most important cultural, social and economic events’, according to the British Entertainment Industry Radio Group (BEIRG).
The regulator’s decision will mean that radio mics and other wireless audio systems widely used by the UK’s creative industries – including West End theatres, where more than 1,000 radio mics are used nightly – could be forced to operate in less than two thirds of the spectrum to which they currently have access.
‘Fears remain that, if appropriate mitigating steps are not taken this could prove catastrophic to these key economic sectors, potentially resulting in a major reduction in the size of the UK’s live entertainment sector,’ says a PMSE statement. ‘Such an outcome would mean that music festivals and major national events, such as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert, would be almost impossible to stage, the West End would find it impossible to operate at its current level and major TV, film productions and conferences would be disrupted’.
BEIRG acknowledge that Ofcom is working to mitigating the consequences of its decision, including the allocation of a sufficient quantity and quality of spectrum in which PMSE users can continue to operate. However, it maintains grave concerns that PMSE’s removal from the 700MHz band is moving forward, while little progress has been made toward finding a new home for wireless microphones. ‘It is essential that Ofcom prioritise this process, and the allocation of appropriate funding to enable the industry to purchase replacement equipment, in order to avoid the scenario described above,’ BEIRG says.
‘This decision poses a real danger to some of the UK’s most cherished cultural and social institutions,’ commented BEIRG member, Michael Grade. ‘The West End, theatres, television and film production, music festivals and conferences all rely on wireless microphones and other wireless audio devices. If these are not guaranteed enough spectrum in which to operate, it really could mean lights out. Ofcom has had years to sort this out and all we have is a promise of a solution. When the public can’t get the shows they have paid to see, we will all know where the blame lies.’
In response, an Ofcom spokesperson offered F&W the following: ‘Ofcom is working to ensure that users of wireless microphones continue to have access to the airwaves they need to deliver their important cultural benefits. One of Ofcom’s core roles is to manage the limited supply of spectrum – the raw material necessary for all wireless communications – and balance the needs of different users.
‘We’re conducting a major review to protect the interests of the “programme making and special events” sector. This will ensure that theatres, sports venues and music events continue to have access to enough spectrum in the future. The review has already identified a number of frequency bands that wireless microphones could potentially use in addition to the bands they will continue to share with DTT. Working closely with the PMSE community, we’ll confirm what spectrum will be available to them next year.’
More: www.beirg.co.uk
