Shure Advocates for our Sector at the APT Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo

Every five years, Ministers and senior officials from across the Asia-Pacific region convene to shape the future of digital policy at the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Ministerial Meeting. This year, Shure was honored to participate in the Business Dialogue held during the May 30–31 session in Tokyo—an opportunity to ensure the voice of the creative industry is heard at the highest level.

Representing Shure, Eric McAlpine, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, addressed the delegation to highlight a vital yet often overlooked part of the digital ecosystem: Audio Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE).

“Audio PMSE is the invisible infrastructure behind our shared cultural experiences—from concerts and film productions to live broadcasts and sports events. Without reliable spectrum access, those stories risk going unheard,” McAlpine emphasized.

Why PMSE Matters

Shure’s message to APT was clear: technologies like wireless microphones and in-ear monitors are not fringe tools—they are central to creative economies across Asia-Pacific. Whether it’s K-pop in Korea, Bollywood blockbusters in India, or major international concerts in Japan and China, PMSE enables industries that not only entertain but also employ millions, generate billions in economic output, and project cultural influence worldwide.

In fact, the global music tourism market alone is forecasted to reach USD 14 billion by 2033, with Asia-Pacific positioned as a key driver. These outcomes depend on access to the 470–698 MHz spectrum band—an essential and irreplaceable resource for professional audio.

The Challenge Ahead

Despite its importance, PMSE is under increasing pressure as more spectrum is reallocated to mobile broadband and 5G. While Shure supports innovation, we advocate for balanced spectrum policy—one that recognizes both the infrastructure that transmits data and the content that gives people a reason to connect.

At the APT meeting, Shure called for:

• Recognition of PMSE as a critical component of national digital strategies
• Globally harmonized, long-term access to the 470–698 MHz band
• Policy frameworks that support both creative content and mobile innovation

Advocating for an Ecosystem

Shure’s participation was not just on behalf of our company. It was on behalf of the engineers, artists, technicians, and creatives across the region who rely on professional audio tools to bring their work to life. These individuals and industries deserve recognition in conversations about spectrum and infrastructure. As we look to the future, Shure remains committed to ensuring that the creative voices of the Asia-Pacific are not only heard—but amplified.