Regulation of the Media Sector

British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) This where all films, videos, DVDs, programs and games are classified. This is so that audiences know that it is appropriate. U, PG 12, 12A, 15, 18, R18 are the classifications that used in films. The classification is based on the content of the film. Some films are sensored so that fit into the right classification as intended.

British Video Association The BVA represents the interests of publishers and rights owners of video entertainment. They make sure that the owner receives full rights for their videos.

Film Distributors Association Is the trade body for film distributors that release films for UK  cinema audiences. This association helps the trade of film. They combat film privacy and piracy.

Video Standards Council (VSC) Makes sure pre-recorded videos are appropriate to be broadcasted. Like the BBFC they make sure that videos are classified correctly. They give parents information on how to keep their children safe from inappropriate things.

Television, Radio and Telecommunications Office for Communication (Ofcom) Ofcom regulates what does and doesn't appear on British TV, radio and video games according to the Broadcasting Act. People who have problems with the different forms of media complain to Ofcom.

Trading Standards Central Regulates the safety of trading and makes sure illegal trading is prevented. They also regulate trading content. Content like drugs and illegal inports.

Press Complaints Commission (PCC) Is where the public can complain about what the press talks about, as they could be disturbing,discomforting or even un-factual.

Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Makes sure that adverts are appropriate and are what is best for the public's interests.
The Mobile Entertainment Forum (MEF) Promotes the growth of the use of mobiles in the work place and at home.

The Independent Games Developers Association (IGDA) Supports the growth in the video game industry and help provide jobs.

British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is the leading independent charity supporting, developing and promoting Film and Television to Video Games and Interactive Media.

Radio Academy  It represents commercial radio to the government and other organisations concerned with commercial radio. People can complain to them about the radio and they would try to solve the problem.
The International Visual Communication Association (IVCA)  Represents its members to Government and other stake holding bodies and to promote effective business and public service communications of the highest ethical and professional standards.

Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C) Is the organisation for The World Wide Web. It wants to educate and develop the public's understanding of the Internet.

British Web Design and Marketing Association to encourage and promote industry standards within the British web design and new media sector.

British Interactive Multimedia Association (BIMA) Supports the digital industry, encouraging the next generation to understand the industry. It helps game creaters get their names known.

Conclusion
There are many regulatory bodies that make sure that the different types of media follow the rules. These bodies try to resolve complaints and problems within the media.

 

Regulatory issues

Ownership 

An examples of problems with ownership is where Rupert Murdoch had to take responsibility for what his employs did during the phone hacking scandal. OFCOM had to decide whether Rupert Murdoch was aloud to buy 60% of sky.
Monopoly
A monopoly is where a person or organisation owns everything, so that means they control much of the media. People who charge more than what the product actually is to a person who is well off and charges less to a person with less money, is discrimination. Trading standards try to prevent deals like these. OFCOM make sure that organisations don't own alot of the media and have the most influence.
Access
Freedom of Information and censorship prevents people for gaining access to information that could be against taste and decency. Information that can be accessed is usually information that is not private and does not offend or disturb.

Consumer Choice
Is where people try to save as much money as possible when buying a product. They would use compare price sites to find the cheapest deals. Compare the market and Go Compare are websites that help people comapare different things such as car insurance. Shops such as Tesco compare their product prices with other shops so that people can buy products for the best price.
Freedom of Information
This is where the public has the right to know important information as it may be in the public's interests.This means that the government have to decide what information can and can't be released. Information about a person can be shown to that person without question. Usually information that is not aloud to be known by the public is in the public's interest.

Censorship
Censorship is used to hide information from the public. Many publications use this to put their opinions across. The government during the world wars used to censor all publications so that the public was influenced. Censorship makes sure taste and decency is in order.

Taste and Decency
This describes whether a film, publication, television program is show with appropriate content. This means that it would not offend the viewer but at the same time entertain. Images of events across the world that could haunt or disturb people would be against the Taste and Decency law.