The variety of federal issues and actions that impact the performing arts is constantly expanding. The PAA tracks emerging issues and educates our members about their history and their impact.
Federal Communications Commission
DTV Transition Impacts Wireless Audio Devices Used by the Performing Arts
References to wireless audio devices used by the performing arts include: microphones, intercoms, in-ear monitors, and or cueing/IFB systems. (The following does not refer to cellular phones, wirless data cards, LAN equipment, ticket verification, assisted listening and other devices that do not operate in the "white space" spectrum.)
Over the past 35 years, wireless audio devices used by the performing arts have operated on radio frequencies between the television broadcast channels, on the so-called "white spaces" (from 150MHz - 175MHz and 470MHz - 806MHz). Following the transition from analog to digital TV on February 17, 2009, television broadcasts will be occupying less space within the TV band. Due to this transition, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been conducting proceedings to re-examine shared use of the re-allocated broadcast spectrum. This re-examination includes consideration by the FCC to either auction off the white spaces to the highest bidder or to open the white spaces to millions of unlicensed electronic devices.
For over a year now, the performing arts community has been urging the FCC to conduct due diligence with testing to ensure wireless audio devices will be protected from interference after the transition. And, since June 2007, the FCC has been conducting lab and field testing, including a field test at the Majestic Theatre in New York City during a run of Phantom of the Opera. (The formal report on all FCC tests is forthcoming.)
Change is coming for wireless audio devices used by the performing arts. Parts of the spectrum are already being re-structured due to the FCC's auction of channels 52-69 this summer. In July, the Public Interest Spectrum Coalition (PISC) filed a formal complaint with the FCC, against Shure Microphones and other equipment manufacturers responsible for selling wireless microphones to users considered ineligible according to Part 74 of federal regulations. As a result, the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in August, announcing it has launched a formal investigation. Additionally, the FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking tentatively amends FCC rules to ban low power auxiliary stations (intended for use by wireless microphones and cue/control communication) from the 700 MHz Band frequencies after February 17, 2009.
Clearly, the push is on to determine the landscape of the broadcast spectrum and to find a viable solution to protect wireless audio devices from interference.
The Performing Arts Alliance is working with a number of organizations and tech advisors from different sectors to advocate for our position.
The Performing Arts Alliance is seeking:
- To ensure the performing arts continue to present high-quality performances without interference.
- To protect our members from prohibitive costs associated with re-structuring of the broadcast spectrum.
- To address regulatory issues so the performing arts sector is recognized as a legitimate user of the broadcast spectrum.
Click here for talking points and background on the "white spaces" issue.
Cultural Exchange
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the State Department is responsible for the public diplomacy activities of the United States, including international cultural exchange programs. These programs support U.S. foreign policy objectives by assisting in the development of friendly relations with other countries.
Click here for talking points and background on Cultural Exchange.
International Cultural Exchange: Funding Opportunities and Resource List
Corporation for Public Broadcasting
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is a private, nonprofit corporation formed to promote noncommercial public telecommunications. In the authorizing language, Congress acknowledged public broadcasting’s role in transmitting arts and culture. “It is in the public interest to encourage the growth and development of public radio and television broadcasting, including the use of such media for instructional, educational, and cultural purposes.” Click here for talking points and background on CPB.
Nonprofit Postal Rates
As nonprofit organizations, performing arts organizations are eligible to mail at a discounted nonprofit rate. Special nonprofit rates have existed for more than a century. The long-standing existence of these rates reflects public consensus that reduced postal rates are justified by the good that these organizations contribute to the welfare of this country.
