Twenty one  major organisations representing the breadth and depth of the British Entertainment Industry launched a campaign calling on the Government to act to secure the future of live music, newsgathering, musical theatre, film making, television production, sports events, concerts, conferences (including party conferences) and church, school and community events in the UK.

As Members will be aware, Ofcom, supported by Government, has decided to clear out and sell the radio frequencies that the industry relies on, and move those evicted elsewhere. The precise location of this new much smaller ‘home’ remains for the most part undetermined. Meanwhile, all proceeds from the sale of the old ‘home’ will go to the Government.  

As a consequence of the enforced ‘migration’, the vast majority of the UK’s valuable stocks of wireless microphones, which are essential tools for content production in the creative industries and beyond, will become unusable. If the activities and events listed above are to continue, then all affected equipment will need to be replaced at a stroke. This will cost tens of millions of pounds. 

If the Government does not provide adequate funding to cover the costs, then live music, newsgathering, musical theatre and other events including those listed above are likely to become impossible to stage.

For a a full version of the Campaign’s press release is please click here. All those persons in the performing arts are urged to give their active support to this campaign.