Digital Dividend Review

Robbie Williams

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

PROPOSED OFCOM AUCTION EQUALS TROUBLE FOR TRADE

TECHNOLOGY, NEWS, OCTOBER 2006, COMMENTS

An alarming scenario that could spell the decimation of the UK's production industry was outlined at a recent PLASA seminar. Communications industry regulator Ofcom is currently consulting on a proposed auction of the radio frequencies that, following digital television switchover scheduled for 2008-2012, would see the spectrum from 470 – 862 MHz put up for sale. Its proposed intention is based on the assumption that when analogue TV is no longer broadcast in the UK, the spectrum will be clear. But this analysis is far from accurate.

“The Programme Making & Special Events (PMSE) sector has grown like ivy into all those areas of spectrum not utilised by local analogue television transmissions," explains Alan March of Shure, who as a founder member of pressure group BEIRG is concerned about the catastrophic implications that a loss of frequency availability would have on the production industry.

“Our industry relies implicitly on wireless technologies, such as wireless microphones and in ear monitoring, to stage hundreds of thousands of activities each year, from sporting events, concerts and festivals to programme making and electronic news gathering. If the spectrum we all use on a daily basis is sold off to the highest bidder – which is more likely to be large mobile phone companies than the highly fragmented PMSE sector – then these activities will be jeopardised. Imagine trying to stage an event like Live 8, or even the Olympics, without wireless microphones, in-ear monitor systems and talkback. Production values would be very seriously compromised before you even begin to consider the health and safety implications”.

Though Ofcom's Digital Dividend Review consultation has been underway for two years, the industry is only now beginning to realise its implications and make its concerns heard. The UK entertainment industry contributes almost £15 billion annually to the economy, a figure that increased dramatically when you include worldwide sales of content produced in the UK. All of this is in jeopardy if the auction goes ahead.

Mark Cunningham, editor of NIGHT's sister publication Total Production International has been actively raising awareness throughout the industry and is planning an extensive feature in his November issue. He said: “Now that people are beginning to understand the extent of how this could damage live performance and everything that goes with it, they are horrified. All of the concerts and festivals I’ve been to this summer, including Robbie Williams, the Stones and Madonna, would not be able to happen if these frequencies weren’t available. It’s as simple as that. And that’s even before we start talking about West End theatre productions like ‘We Will Rock You’.”

Though the auction of radio frequencies has the most profound implications for the live industry, nightclubs may also feel its effects. Communications equipment used by security staff and management uses radio frequencies and may thus be affected. Without access to spectrum, the increasing number of venues that stage PAs and live acts would see the dramatic impact of the acts’ performances reduced as artists’ movements are restricted by wired mics.

BEIRG is currently seeking support from all radio frequency (RF) users in an attempt to make Ofcom aware of the implications of their plans. The Industry has just over a month to make its voice heard, with Ofcom’s consultation due to finish by the beginning of November 2006 with a view to their making a firm statement by the end of this year.

“The more organisations that join BEIRG the easier we can demonstrate the depth and breadth of RF usage and how important PMSE is to the benefit of the UK, both economically and socially,” says Alan. “I strongly urge all potentially affected parties to get involved so that we can do all we can to influence Ofcom’s decision making process. Apathy is not an option.”

From: October 2006 Issue

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