The new name for the IBS reflects the shifts in the audio and broadcast industries over the last 34 years, and also the changes in the Institute's own membership and working practices, says the organisation. Where once sound people working in broadcast had staff jobs with the BBC, ITV or independent local radio, most IBS members are now freelancers. Of necessity, the Institute's members also now tend to operate in more than one field in the audio industry; for example, they may work on radio ads one day and a TV sound dub the next, while a location sound recordist might work on TV dramas, documentaries, corporate video or live sound events over the course of a few weeks.
Simon Bishop, chairman of the IBS's executive committee, explains the Institute's reaction to these changes, "Our new name more fairly reflects who we are. With members that move freely between the varied worlds of radio, video, TV, music recording, location and live sound, broadcast is no longer necessarily the single thread that binds us all together. However, all of us work as audio professionals, and we would like to speak for all who fit that description, whilst also reaching out to others who might have been dissuaded by our old name. Hence the change to something more inclusive."
The IBS/IPS name change will come into effect on New Year's Day, 2012, but already the regular programme of training events and meetings organised by the IBS for its members is reflecting its more inclusive emphasis. Events this Autumn have included training on SADiE, Riedel and Studer products for broadcast and live production, and the forthcoming annual training weekend in February 2012, the first to be held as the IPS, will be split between Outside Broadcast training on one day, and PA and live sound workshops on the other.
"With the 2012 Games coming up, it's appropriate that we focus on OB work on the Saturday," explains Simon Bishop. "However, on the Sunday, we will be offering training on foldback and PA mixing, with live bands playing throughout the day. We're going to make some noise - and you'll see much more of this kind of event from us in the future."
Dates and venue for the first IPS training weekend will be announced shortly.
(Jim Evans)
