Shure has announced that it’s forming the Wireless Microphone Spectrum Alliance (WMSA), a coalition of stakeholders who are committed to ensuring access to RF spectrum for wireless microphones in the United States, including end users, content creators, live production service providers, equipment manufacturers and other stakeholders.
The goal of this alliance is to advocate for access to the RF spectrum that allows events to operate using wireless microphones. The company states that diverse industries rely on spectrum to successfully produce their events, which is a significant source of revenue, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and creating collaboration.
WMSA‘s mission:
— Preserve RF Spectrum: Ensure the availability of spectrum for wireless microphone users across various industries
— Raise Awareness: Through education, highlight the critical importance of spectrum for concerts, live sports, live events, concerts, the film industry, broadcast, theater, worship and other content creators
— Foster Collaboration: Create a platform for stakeholders to join forces in advocating for spectrum preservation
— Engage Policymakers: Work closely with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Congress, and other policymakers to advocate for sufficient spectrum allocations for current and future wireless microphone use
— Conduct Public Outreach: Encourage public involvement through outreach and events that demonstrate the necessity of wireless spectrum and the impact its loss would have on various productions
Without proper spectrum availability for wireless microphones, many cities may not be able to successfully operate large-scale sporting events like the Super Bowl or the Olympic Games. Wireless microphones are used extensively for a wide variety of activities during these events, including:
Press conferences
Onsite TV and radio production
Pre-show concerts
Fundraisers/community events
National anthems
Halftime shows
Broadcast microphones
Referee/official microphones
Public address and public safety microphones
And many others
As the U.S. is preparing to host major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games, the company states that the ability to support these activities with the necessary spectrum is critical. Organizations interested in joining this effort can contact Prakash Moorut (global head of Spectrum & Regulatory Affairs at Shure) at moorutp@shure.com.
www.shure.com
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