PLASA
Save our Sound Campaign
PLASA, along with other major organisations representing the British Entertainment Industry, is backing a campaign calling on the Government to act to secure the future of live music, newsgathering, theatre, film making, television production, sports events, conferences and church, school & community events in the UK.
All of these activities are under threat because Ofcom, supported by Government, has decided to clear out and sell the radio frequencies that the industry relies on, moving 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 all the events listed above are likely to become impossible to stage. There is little doubt that companies will go bust, individuals will go bankrupt, employees will be made redundant and charitable and community organisations will have to divert funds from core services.
The impact will be severe as a consequence of the fact that the UK's pool of equipment for professional use is generally owned by small specialist firms and individuals that supply to end users when required. These businesses work to very tight margins and either cannot, or will struggle to cover the cost of replacing entire inventories. If they are forced out of business, then all productions that depend on their equipment and expertise will be under threat.
Save our Sound UK is currently liaising with the Government and Ofcom to ensure the issues being faced by the industry are fully communicated. We urge you to give your support to this important campaign.