League Wants FCC to Prevent Portable Devices on Airwaves Used for Theatre Mikes

May this mean the end of cell phones going off during performances?
League Wants FCC to Prevent Portable Devices on Airwaves Used for Theatre Mikes

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I don't think this directly addresses the need to stop audience members from using their devices during a performance. Instead it seems to have more to do with reserving certain frequencies dedicated to the wireless mics.

But it is a good excuse for the next step...install cell phone jammers so they "won't interfere with wireless mics".

Updated On: 10/15/07 at 02:45 PM

Or just play on man's sympathy for technology! Telling them it interferes with the performance won't deter them, but tell them that it interferes with the mics and they'll turn those suckers off willingly.

I really wish they'd be allowed to install straight-forward cell phone jammers in theaters. People are never going to learn to be considerate and it's the only way to stop the yakkers, texters, etc.

The issue is not necessarily cell phones in the audience, but what if an actor is in his dressing room, his phone rings, and it is broadcast over the sound system!

But aren't jammers illegal?

Amen!

I played 'Shaw' in a recent production of FOOTLOOSE in Westchester, and at the closing performance (of all times), during "I Confess" TWO (2) cell phones went off in the middle of my number. I continued the song, keeping in-character, but I was a bit shaken afterwards. I imagine that the user(s?) was very upset and a bit red in the face ... I would be - after having many an announcement made over the loud speaker beforehand. I hope this ruling sees the light of day. It'd do wonders at B'way houses, that's for sure! If only the public would take notice of it!

"According to the League, in an effort to more efficiently manage the remaining white spaces, the FCC has initiated proceedings to consider how, and under what circumstances, to authorize millions of new electronic "unlicensed devices" — including PDAs, cordless phones and wireless laptops — to operate simultaneously on these frequencies."

Sorry, I got caught up in the thread. It is just saying that they are trying to develop a way all of these devices can work at the same time without crossing over each other's lines. No talk of jammers. Too bad. They just want to have the stage mikes set to run on it's own channel (frequency) verses simple open lines or white spaces as they so mention. The way each radio station and t.v. channel does right? The Government can subsidize this though if need be to reduce the cost of doing so.