TPi readers are more aware than most of radio spectrum’s importance. It is critical to wireless audio content production and has a fair claim to be considered as the raw material on which many events depend. Yet within the arcane world of spectrum regulation, discussions are taking place that could have profound long-term consequences for the future of wireless audio production.
The past 15 years have seen successive losses of radio spectrum for wireless microphones and in-ear monitors, principally in spectrum shared with digital terrestrial television. In most cases, the spectrum has been re-purposed and auctioned to mobile phone networks.
Now, regulators in the UK and Europe are discussing the future of TV distribution itself, throwing into doubt the future of a decades-long spectrum sharing arrangement between Broadcasting and Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) in the vital 470 to 694 MHz band, in which has evolved a mature global equipment ecosystem.
Last year, Ofcom published its Future of TV Distribution early market report to government, which outlined three potential approaches to the 470 to 694 MHz band. In the European Union, the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG), a high-level spectrum policy advisory group to the European Commission, has already published a draft opinion on the future of the band, and ran a related workshop.
Following each previous spectrum clearance, the wireless audio industry managed to adapt, but we have now reached a critical point where any further loss of spectrum for wireless mics could make many events unviable. There is a limit to what can be achieved through technical innovation or further changes to working practices within the industry to mitigate a further reduction, particularly where events are becoming bigger and more sophisticated in response to consumer and audience demands.
The cultural and creative industries continue to show growth which outpaces many other sectors, even more remarkable considering it was hit disproportionately hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The UK government has justifiably identified the creative industries as one of eight growth-driving sectors in its modern industrial strategy. However, considering that wireless audio’s use of spectrum sits at the start of the value chain, it is perplexing to see this growth threatened by spectrum regulation that often pulls in the opposite direction and perpetuates uncertainty. What is called for is spectrum policy which recognises PMSE’s intrinsic value as a stand-alone application, irrespective of the platforms via which its output is distributed, and which properly considers the socioeconomic benefits derived from world-class content creation.
The continuing pressure on TV-UHF spectrum for wireless mics was the spur for Shure’s recent formation of the Wireless Microphone Spectrum Alliance (WMSA), a coalition dedicated to ensuring access to RF spectrum for wireless microphones. This alliance includes a diverse range of stakeholders, such as professional end users, content creators, live production service providers, equipment manufacturers and many others, all of whom share a common interest in preserving access to this vital resource.
Please add your voices in calling on policymakers to protect the future of wireless audio content creation.
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Words: Martin Brock
Photo: Shure
