In an era where digital technology reigns supreme, two beloved mediums face similar challenges: HAM radio frequencies and traditional film formats are slowly fading into obscurity. This parallel struggle tells a compelling story about preservation, progress, and the price of modernization.
HAM radio operators have long been concerned about the encroachment on their frequency bands. As telecommunications companies lobby for more spectrum space to accommodate 5G networks and wireless services, amateur radio enthusiasts find their allocated frequencies under increasing threat. The 3.3-3.5 GHz band, once a playground for experimental amateur radio operations, has already been reallocated in many countries for commercial use.
Similarly, traditional film formats are disappearing at an alarming rate. Kodak’s bankruptcy in 2012 sent shockwaves through the cinematographic community, and while the company survived, many iconic film stocks didn’t. The beloved Kodachrome, which captured some of the 20th century’s most memorable images, ceased production in 2009. Movie theaters have overwhelmingly converted to digital projection, making 35mm film screenings increasingly rare.
The parallels don’t end there. Both mediums face a generational challenge. Just as younger filmmakers are growing up without ever handling physical film, newer generations of communications enthusiasts are more likely to reach for a smartphone than a HAM radio set. The technical knowledge required for both crafts – from film loading to frequency modulation – risks becoming lost art.
However, there’s hope. A dedicated community of preservationists exists in both worlds. Organizations like the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) actively defend frequency allocations, while directors like Christopher Nolan and Quentin Tarantino champion shooting and projecting on film. These advocates understand that once these technologies disappear, we lose more than just technical capabilities – we lose unique ways of experiencing and interacting with the world.
As we march forward into an increasingly digital future, the fate of these analog platforms remains uncertain. Their story serves as a reminder that progress, while inevitable, often comes at the cost of traditions that have shaped our cultural and technological heritage.