TCG Bulletin

September 2008, Volume 31, Issue 9

ADVOCACY NEWS FROM THE PERFORMING ARTS ALLIANCE AND TCG

The American Arts Alliance is Changing its Name!

The American Arts Alliance is changing its name to the Performing Arts Alliance: The Coalition of Performing Arts Advocates. The new name, which reflects the organization’s performing arts advocacy focus, will officially take effect on September 15.

Action: Visit the Performing Arts Alliance website for more information.

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White Spaces Update

There has been some activity this summer on the White Space issue. As a reminder, wireless microphones that are used in our theatres, operate in the so-called “white space” portion of the spectrum.

Recent auction of the “white space” is resulting in a reorganization of the broadcast spectrum, a re-examination of the allowable uses of the spectrum, and the development of new devices to be used in the same part of the spectrum currently used by wireless microphone technology. Since January, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been conducting lab testing and, this summer concluded a round of field tests of prototype devices intended for development and use in the white space spectrum. In early August, the FCC held its final field test at the Majestic Theatre in NYC where Phantom of the Opera is playing. There is no formal report yet, but we do expect to see findings from both the lab and field testing.

The Broadway League has held two informal white space demonstrations over the past year: last November for FCC Commissioner Adelstein and this July for FCC Commissioner Tate. On each occasion, while a performer was singing, the sound engineers purposefully interfered with the performance to demonstrate what could happen if wireless microphone use is not protected from interference as changes are made to the public use of “white space.” The FCC Commissioners asked questions of the sound engineers and it seemed there was a better understanding of the use of wireless technology in theatres as a result of these demonstrations.

In July, the Public Interest Spectrum Coalition (PISC) filed a formal complaint with the FCC, against Shure Microphones, for selling wireless microphones that are not legally licensed to be operated in the “white space.” As a result, the FCC announced that it has launched a formal investigation.

What we know is that change is coming. TV goes digital in February, 2009, and the use of the spectrum has to be decided by the FCC before then. There are a number of organizations, including PISC and its members, which are advocating with the FCC for spectrum reform. They argue that the spectrum is not being used efficiently, nor is there equitable public access to the spectrum. TCG is working with the Performing Arts Alliance, and is in communication with the Broadway League and a number of other organizations from different sectors, to advocate for our position. We want to be able to continue to present our performances without interference, deliver the high-quality performances that patrons deserve and expect and whatever change happens must not be prohibitively expensive. We are seeking counsel from several sound engineers in the field.

Action: Please Stay Tuned

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Appropriations Process is Stalled

The appropriations process remains unresolved as Congress tries to wrap up work before adjourning early for the elections. As we reported earlier this summer, on June 11, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee recommended a $15.3 million increase in funding for the NEA in FY09. If approved by the full House and Senate, NEA funding would total $160 million. However, Congress is deadlocked over how to move ahead with funding for nearly all federal programs. Spending will most likely be held at last year's level until a new Congress and President arrive in Washington next year.

Similarly, the House Appropriations Subcommittee has approved $38.6 million for Arts Education at the U.S. Department of Education. This is only the second time in the past eight years that the House has included any funding for the Arts in Education programs. As with NEA funding, the most likely scenario for arts education spending is funding at last year's level until Congress reconsiders federal funding in early 2009.

Action: None

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Americans for the Arts Action Fund Holds Events at Both Conventions

The Americans for the Arts Action Fund, in conjunction with NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants, hosted two events at the national political conventions. Titled The Future of the Arts and Arts Education, these events were designed to engage Members of Congress, Governors, Lt. Governors, Mayors, local elected officials, education and cultural leaders attending the conventions. Both events were part of ArtsVote2008, the national initiative the Americans for the Arts Action Fund has been running throughout the presidential election.

At the Democratic National Convention on August 26, a panel of elected leaders, advocates and philanthropists discussed the future of the arts and arts education in America. Moderated by Former U.S. Secretary of Education and former Governor of South Carolina Richard Riley, featured speakers included:

Five-time Grammy Award-winning musician John Legend
Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz, President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors
Philanthropist Sheila C. Johnson
NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond
Americans for the Arts Action Fund President and CEO Robert L. Lynch

On September 2 at the Republican National Convention, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee moderated a discussion on the future of the arts and arts education in America with featured speakers including:

Emmy Award-winning actor, dancer, choreographer and director Debbie Allen
Missouri Governor Matt Blunt
Chairman of the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities Adair Margo
U.S Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-Kansas)
Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne
Americans for the Arts Action Fund President and CEO Robert L. Lynch

Action: None

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Next Section: Artistic Opportunities in the United States

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