Shure Europe
Since 1925, Shure has been a leading manufacturer of high-quality, innovative audio products.
ID: 860176595505-34
Lobbying Activity
Response to Digital Networks Act
11 Jul 2025
The Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) sector is a vital but under-recognised part of Europes digital and cultural ecosystem. It supports professional-grade content creation for broadcasting, live performance, film, sports, political events, and moreall reliant on professional wireless audio systems like wireless microphones, intercoms, and in-ear monitors designed for real-time use. As the European Commission develops the Digital Networks Act (DNA), it is crucial to reflect the needs of the PMSE sector. Without secure spectrum access and appropriate infrastructure, Europes media, cultural expression, and digital autonomy are at risk. This submission outlines five key areas where the DNA should incorporate PMSE priorities: recognition as critical infrastructure, long-term spectrum access, access to funding, formal consultation, and inclusion in cultural resilience efforts. 1. Recognise PMSE as Critical Infrastructure PMSE systems are mission-critical for real-time production across Europes creative and institutional sectors. They operate in complex environments where public networks are insufficientlike breaking news, live broadcasts, and government events. To support Europes audiovisual ecosystem, DNA must include non-public, high-performance wireless systems in infrastructure planning and spectrum regulation. Recommendation: Recognise PMSE in infrastructure strategies. Reflect PMSE needs in spectrum management and venue planning. 2. Safeguard UHF Spectrum (470694 MHz) Access to the UHF band is essential for professional wireless audio, offering reliability and coverage unmatched by alternatives. Further reallocations to mobile (IMT) services risk severely disrupting creative industries. Recommendations: Secure long-term access to the 470694 MHz band for PMSE. Require that future spectrum decisions assess PMSEs cultural and economic contributions. 3. Ensure Access to EU Infrastructure and Funding Instruments PMSE relies on tailored infrastructure: interference-free wireless systems, spectrum coordination, and specialist equipment. Yet many stakeholders lack access to funding or training to modernise systems. Recommendations: Make programmes like CEF Digital and Horizon Europe accessible to PMSE stakeholders. Fund upgrades for venues and local wireless infrastructure. 4. Create Formal PMSE Consultation Mechanisms PMSE actorsunlike telecom or media platformslack structured representation in connectivity governance despite being impacted by spectrum policy. The DNA can correct this by embedding inclusive mechanisms. Recommendations: Establish a dedicated PMSE working group within the DNA governance framework. Include PMSE voices in consultations and advisory bodies. 5. Embed PMSE in Cultural Resilience and Strategic Autonomy Wireless audio systems are indispensable for cultural sovereignty, democratic communication, and media independence. From public service media to emergency messaging, PMSE enables Europe to tell its own story. Recommendations: Recognise PMSE in the EUs cultural resilience and strategic autonomy goals. Include PMSE in digital readiness indicators linked to media capacity and wireless availability. Final Remarks PMSE is a critical enabler of Europes creative excellence, democratic resilience, and media independence. As the Commission finalises the DNA, it should adopt a holistic view of connectivityone that includes cultural as well as digital infrastructure. Shure and the broader PMSE community stand ready to support this process and contribute to shaping an inclusive, future-ready European digital policy.
Read full responseMeeting with Gerasimos Sofianatos (Head of Unit Communications Networks, Content and Technology)
20 Feb 2025 · Spectrum for audio PMSE needs and the future of the sub-UHF band beyond 2030