Ofcom has it in their mind to sell off analogue radio frequencies, this is why you see all those adverts enticing people to switch to digital TV and radio. Change is a good thing, but Ofcom don’t seem to understand the full impact that selling off analogue radio frequencies could cause.

“Ofcom has employed a firm of consultants to evaluate the way to dispose of the spare frequency, and all the indications are that Ofcom will release spectrum for sale at auction to the highest bidder … mobile phone giants such as, O2, Vodafone etc, are positioning to snap-up the RF to provide TV services on your mobile phones.”

Entertainment uses a lot of openly available radio frequencies for radio microphones, sounds systems, camera and video relay, lighting control and many other control and operation systems. Did you know that in any one west end theatre show, you’re looking at fourteen plus radio microphones? That’s fourteen different radio frequencies being used, not to mention show communications, sound system control, stage props and lighting control.

There’s also the other angle of entertainment. For instance, the Olympic games in 2004 in Athens utilised 527 radio microphones, 290 hand held radios and 423 talkback systems! Just how would the Olympic games here in the UK be affected in 2012 if we had no radio frequencies!?

The selling off of radio frequencies could have a major impact on the entertainment industry if it is allowed to go ahead. If we have to used wired systems, will these events take place? This not only has an impact on sound and noise related people in the industry, but also the other departments too. If a touring concert can’t take place due to the limitation of radio frequencies, that puts everyone involved with it, out of work; riggers, lighting, tour management, drivers, catering, pyrotechnicians, local crew, support acts, backing singers, dancers, photographers, security… I think you get the picture.
There’s also another important group of people that this affects and that’s you, the audience. If we can’t put on a performance, you won’t have anything to see, which in turn will affect the sales and popularity of artists and performers.

The British Entertainment Industry Radio Group have started to act for the masses and consult with Ofcom about the propsed sell off. If you want to join BEIRG and support this cause further, you can download an application form from their website.