This document summarizes key legislation related to the creative media industry in the UK. It outlines laws around licensing for alcohol and entertainment (Licensing Act 2003), libel (Libel Law), privacy (Privacy Law), broadcasting standards (Broadcasting Act), copyright and intellectual property (Copyright & Intellectual Property Law), obscene content standards (Obscene Publications Act), and prohibiting racial discrimination (Race Relations Act 1976). The document provides brief overviews of the purpose and scope of these various acts of UK Parliament.

1. Legislation in the Creative Media
Industry.
By Oliver Toone.

2. Licensing Act 2003
• An Act of the Parliament of the United
Kingdom. The Act establishes a single
integrated scheme for licensing premises
which are used for the sale or supply of
alcohol, to provide regulated entertainment,
or to provide late night refreshments.

3. Libel Law
• English law allows actions for libel to be
brought in the High Court for any published
statements which are alleged to defame a
named or identifiable individual (or
individuals) in a manner which causes them
loss in their trade or profession, or causes a
reasonable person to think worse of him, her
or them.

4. Privacy Law
• Refers to the laws which deal with the
regulation of personal information about
individuals which can be collected by
governments and other public as well as
private organizations and its storage and use.

5. Broadcasting Act
• This is a law of the British parliament, often
regarded by both its supporters and its critics
as a quintessential example of Thatcherism.
The aim of the act was to reform the entire
structure of British broadcasting; British
television, in particular, had earlier been
described by Margaret Thatcher as “the last
bastion of restrictive practices”. It governs
what can be shown on TV.

6. Copyright & Intellectual Property Law
• Refers to any creative work or invention
considered to be the property of its creator.
Often, recognized and protected under the
corresponding fields of law. Owners are
granted certain exclusive rights, such as the
ability to publish to various markets, license
the manufacture and distribution of
inventions, and sue in case of unlawful or
deceptive copying.

7. Obscene Publications Act
• This law has governed what can be published
or released in England and Wales. The classic
definition of criminal obscenity is if it “tends
to deprave and corrupt”

8. Race Relations Act 1976
• Was established by the parliament of the
United Kingdom to prevent discrimination on
the grounds of race. Items that are covered
include discrimination on the grounds of race,
colour nationality, ethnic and national origin
in the fields of employment, the provision of
goods and services, education and public
functions.