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Dateline: 14th February, 2007

Ofcom Proposals a Threat to Theatre

The Office of Communications (Ofcom), the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services, is proposing that, following the proposed switchover to digital TV broadcasting, frequencies within the radio spectrum will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Within this range of frequencies are those which are currently reserved for use in radio microphones used on the stage and radio communications equipment such as is used both backstage and front of house in theatres and at outdoor events.

According to Equity, "By selling these airwaves to the highest bidder Ofcom will cause huge problems for production of live and recorded entertainment, as there are specific airwaves currently reserved for theatres, TV production companies and concert venues. If no allowances are made for these users of this radio spectrum, modern production standards will be impossible."

Equity is calling on members to write to their MPs urging them to sign an Early Day Motion that "calls for the Government to save the UK Entertainment Industry" and has produced a sample letter. This letter says:

I am writing as your constituent to draw your attention to the unintended consequences of Ofcom’s Digital Dividend Review (DDR). Under current plans, Ofcom plans to auction radio spectrum to the highest bidder. These changes pose a grave threat to the British entertainment industry, especially to the Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) sector.

As a member of Equity I am greatly alarmed at the effects of current spectrum proposals on entertainment events in the UK. Without current analogue equipment, which is totally reliant on the use of this spectrum, all modern theatrical, musical, and entertainment events are imperiled.

Our sector relies on the unused spectrum that interleaves between current analogue TV broadcasts, to enable the use of radio microphones, in ear devices and other short-range wireless devices. These systems are integral to the production of recorded and live entertainment. If the proposed changes go ahead, virtually all organisations that rely on radio spectrum will be adversely affected.

I would be most grateful if you would show your support for my industry by signing EDM No.531 ‘Impact of Digital Dividend On British Entertainment Industry’.

This sector is disparate and diverse and will struggle to compete if large organisations, such as the mobile phone contractors hold this valuable spectrum.

Your support would be greatly appreciated and would help to avert the potentially devastating consequences of the DDR on our valuable UK industry.

Non-members of Equity who are concerned about the impact of this proposal could adapt the letter to their own needs.

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©Peter Lathan 2007