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Programme Making and Special Events (Including Radio Microphones) |
This information sheet is for the guidance of programme makers and others wishing to use radio at entertainment, public and sporting events.
What is covered by the term "programme making and special events"?
"Programme making and
special events" is a broad term encompassing the making of a programme
for broadcast, the making of a film, presentation, advertisement or audio or
video tape, and the staging or performance of a special event. A special event
typically lasts between one day and a few weeks. Special events include entertainment,
sporting or other public events – such as music, religious and other festivals,
air, agricultural and county shows.
Programme making and the staging or performance of an event does not include
the use of radio apparatus for general purpose communications, such as the
security, safety or catering services which support a production or event. Such
uses are covered by other types of licence issued by the Agency (or its other
contractors), for example, Private Business Radio, Public Mobile Communications,
PBR Suppliers Licence and Citizens' Band. The Fixed Services and Satellite Services
licensing arrangements may also apply in some cases. (Details of other licences
are shown in the information sheet RA2, available from the Agency Library).
JFMG's licensing and spectrum management role
JFMG Ltd have been contracted to manage and license the radio spectrum used
for programme making and special events.
JFMG are authorised to grant, on the Secretary of State's behalf,
licences for programme making and special events.
JFMG's address and contact numbers are shown at the end of this page.
Licensing requirements
It is illegal to use radio transmitters except under a licence
issued under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 or where there is
a specific exemption from licensing. See below for information
on some short range devices that are exempt from licensing.
Unauthorised use of equipment that requires a licence is illegal
and could mean immediate termination of use, a fine of up to £5,000
and/or six months' imprisonment on summary conviction or on conviction
on indictment an unlimited fine and two years' imprisonment and
forfeiture of equipment.
Equipment that does not need licensing
Equipment that might be suitable in programme making and similar activities
but does not need licensing is:
Wide band radio microphones with a power of 10mW or less do
not need licensing, but only when they operate on the authorised frequencies
– 173.8, 174.1, 174.5, 174.8 and 175.0MHz. They must also conform to the specification
MPT 1345 or Draft EN 300 422.
Low power cordless audio equipment may be operated between 863MHz-865MHz,
with a maximum power of 10mW. Equipment must conform to the ETSI Specification
EN 300 220-1
Low power video applications may be operated at 1394MHz, with a maximum
power of 500mW and a 10MHz bandwidth. Equipment must conform to the specification
MPT 1349.
Low power visual image transmission equipment may be operated between 2.400-2.483GHz
with a maximum power of 10mW and a 20MHz bandwidth. Equipment must conform to
the ETSI Specification I-ETS 300 440.
There are a number of bands for low power telemetry and telecommand devices
which are exempt from licensing.
PMR 446. PMR 446 is a licence exempt short range voice communication
system which provides a basic radio service for both business and non business
users. It is ideal for providing communication over short distances. PMR 446
replaces the Short Range Business Radio (SRBR), Speech Service.
Further information on licence exempt equipment is contained in the RA Short
Range Radio Devices information sheet RA114.
Spectrum available for licensing for programme making
and special events
There is a wide range of spectrum available for licensing. Detailed
in the JFMG Register of frequencies. Copies available from JFMG,
whose address and contact numbers can be found at the end of this page. When you apply to JFMG for a licence
they will discuss with you your requirements and the features
of the equipment you wish to use. This will allow them to assign
the frequencies that are most suitable, subject to availability.
Applications for licences
Applications should be made to JFMG, whose address and contact numbers are shown
on page 2. JFMG will supply application forms and further information on the
licensing options available to users. An application form can also be downloaded
from their website.
Who should hold a licence?
The Programme Making and Special Events Licence should be held
by the person who intends to use, or to control those who use,
the radio equipment licensed.
Where a company holds a licence its employees are covered by it.
Where a person other than the licensee or his employees is to use the equipment the licensee must
give that person written authority to do so
ensure that the person complies with the licence
conditions, and
retain control of the person who is operating the
equipment.
A company hiring out radio microphones may hold a licence itself and authorise its customers' use. It will need to issue each customer with a written permit which subjects him to the licence conditions. Copies of a model permit (SAP3) are available from JFMG.
Conformity assessment and licensing
It
will be a license requirement that equipment should meet the requirements of
Interface Requirement 2038. Additionally radio equipment must be compliant with
the Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) Directive.
Further information on the R&TTE Directive is contained in the document: Guidance
for Manufacturers on the Introduction of the R&TTE Directive. This information
sheet and Interface Requirement 2038 are available from our Library and website.
Licence fees
Licence fees are set in Regulations made by the Secretary of State
and approved by Parliament. They are generally reviewed annually.
Details of the current licence fees can be obtained from JFMG. They are also available on JFMG's website or from the Agency.
The full fee must be paid when applying for a licence or for an additional frequency assignment. Applications should be made to JFMG and cheques made payable to JFMG Ltd (Trust account). Payment can also be made by credit or debit card.
Applications requiring processing outside normal working hours (9.00-17.00 Monday-Friday, excluding bank holidays) attract a premium charge of £55 per frequency assignment.
Complaints and suggestions
Complaints and suggestions should in the first instance be addressed
to JFMG.
If you have been unable to resolve a complaint with JFMG you may write to the Radiocommunications Agency. In considering disputes about licensing matters the Agency will require JFMG to explain the grounds for the action that is the subject of the dispute. It will decide how the dispute should be resolved and give reasons for its decision which will be binding on JFMG.
The Agency contact for complaints and suggestions is:
RA2/Programme Making
and Special Events Section
Radiocommunications Agency
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London
E14 9SX
Tel: 020 7211 0811/0391/0879
Fax: 020 7211 0899
E-mail: pmse@ra.gsi.gov.uk
JFMG Ltd – Address
and contact points
JFMG Ltd
33-34 Alfred Place
London
WC1E 7DP
Tel: 020 7299 8660
Fax: 020 7299 8661
E-mail: info@jfmg.co.uk
website: www.jfmg.co.uk
The JFMG office is open 9.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday except at bank holidays. Outside those hours a co-ordinator is available for emergency frequency assignments.
Tel.: 07050 177335
Radiocommunications Agency Information and Library
Service
The RA information sheets mentioned above are available, free of charge, from the Agency:
The Information and Library
Service
Radiocommunications Agency
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London
E14 9SX
Tel: 020 7211 0502/0505
Fax: 020 7211 0507
E-mail: library@ra.gsi.gov.uk
A current list of information documents, application forms and publications is contained in RA0.
RA 325 (Rev 5)
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