1. CTK – A2 Media: Unit G325 Critical Perspectives In Media: Contemporary Media Regulation
Contemporary Regulation Compared to PREVIOUS PRACTICES - Media Regulation:
You must consider: New technologies – Social Changes – Legislations/Laws
Are these organisations (OFCOM, ASA, PCC, BBFC) adapting with change over time?
Why do these bodies exist? Why they were originally set up.
Which new social factors hinder the regulation process?
Due to the growth in digital technology, in particular the internet, it has become harder for regulators to be as effective as they once were.
For organisations such as OFCOM and the BBFC, in order to regulate effectively (as stated in the Byron Report) they must educate parents in dealing with
protecting their children/the vulnerable.
OFCOM
Past Practices
DATES EVENTS
OFCOM (Office of Communications) was set up in 2003. Established by the ‘Office of Communications Act’ in 2002.
OFCOM were established in order to regulate the constant convergence of technologies.
OFCOM inherited the duties of four past regulators - The ITC (the Independent Television Commission) and merged responsibilities of the Radio Authority, Broadcasting
standards authority and OFTEL (Office of telecommunications).
OFCOM labelled the ITC as ‘deregulation’ as they loosened the rules of TV broadcasting and lost their position of authority.
OFCOM highlighted that having separate regulators for TV, Radio, and telecommunications proved to be impractical, so a converged regulator with more power was
deemed to be a more efficient strategy.
OFCOM stated the four original organisations were deemed to be a ‘light touch’ when it came to dealing with issues.
OFCOM were established as a ‘super regulator’ who could fine and even remove a broadcaster’s right to broadcast.
OFCOM being created was announced in the Queens speech to the UK parliament in June 2001.
OFCOM regularly updates its CODE (Broadcasting Code), to ensure that all broadcasters comply with the terms in the license given to them.
OFCOM is the biggest UK regulator, receiving £122mper year. Ed Richards is the current Chief Executive of OFCOM, appointed in October 2006.
OFCOM were granted greater powers in dealing with piracy thanks to the digital economy act in 2010.
OFCOM introducing product placement in to broadcasting.
2. CTK – A2 Media: Unit G325 Critical Perspectives In Media: Contemporary Media Regulation
BBFC
Past Practices
DATES EVENTS
BBFC was first established in 1912,when it was called the ‘British Board of Film Censors’.
BBFC work with local authorities who have the power to impose their own varying censorship standards (So a films censorship could vary depending on the local area).
BBFC originally only regulated two certificates for film – ‘U’ or ‘A’.
BBFC introduced a PG, 15, 18 and R18 classifications in 1982,as the content of films becoming more complex.
BBFC embraced the ‘Video Recordings Act that was passed in parliament in 1984, stating video recordings offered for sale or hire in the UK must be classified.
BBFC also became the British Board of Film CLASSIFICATION in 1984.The term ‘censor’ was seen as too restricting, and instead classification was a more practical way of
communicating the content of films to specific audiences.
BBFC introduced the Digital Economy Act in 2010. The act regulates digital media and online copyright. The system of law tracks and sues persistent infringers.
BBFC are currently evolving with the changes in society, regularly updating their guidelines from audience feedback (The first 12A - The Bourne Identity 2002).
BBFC have relaxed classifications due to desensitisation.
BBFC use to classify games (Grand Theft Auto 3 being one of the first games to receive classification) but due to the ever expanding industry, gaming required its own
independent regulator in the form of PEGI established in 2003 and taking full control in 2012.
PEGI
Past Practices
DATES EVENTS
PEGI (Pan European Game Information was established in 2003) – It was set up by the Interactive Software Federation of Europe (ISFE).
PEGI online was set up in 2007 to protect internet uses when gaming online.
PEGI became the only game regulator in 2012 taking over from the BBFC, due to concerns over their rating criteria, which was too similar to what was used for films.
PEGI stated that a narrative shown by a film was completely different from videogames, which offer different experiences depending on how you play them.
PEGI ratings are said to be a lot stricter than that of the BBFC.
PEGI changes meant that it is now illegal for a child under 12 to buy a 12-rated game compared to the previous practice.
The first game to receive an age restriction was Night Trap on the Sega Mega CD in 1992.Arguably, it made sense for the British Board of Film Classification to rate that
one because it uses full-motion video with real actors to make up the game's visuals. It was pretty much a series of film scenes on a game disc.
3. CTK – A2 Media: Unit G325 Critical Perspectives In Media: Contemporary Media Regulation
PCC/IPSO
Past Practices
DATES EVENTS
The press in the UK has been subject to self-regulation for over fifty years. The self-regulatory era began with the creation of a voluntary ‘Press Council’ in 1953.
In the 1980’s it came to light that some publications were failing to observe the basic ethics of journalism. Parliament requested that it would be more effective to set up
a statutory press council with enforceable legal sanctions.
The government appointed David Calcutt QC to investigate. He published his report in June 1990,but instead of suggesting new statutory regulation, he recommended
the setting up of a new Press Complaints Commission.
In 1991 the PCC was formed, and was made up of national and regional editors who formed the ‘Editors Code of Practice’ that was required to be followed at all times.
2005 Clive Goodman and Glen Mulcaire found guilty of hacking the Royal Families phoneand publishing it in the NOTW.
2009 The Guardian newspaper reveals that hacking is rife amongst the press. Celebrities come forward to support this (Including the family of murdered school girl Milly
Dowler and landlord Christopher Jeffries, who was wrongly accused and public shamed over the murder of his tenant Joanna Yeates).
2011 The NOTW is closed down by owner Rupert Murdoch + Andy Coulson and Rebekah Brooks (both NOTW editors) are put on trial.
2011 Hugh Grant sets up the ‘Hacked Off’ campaign, and calls for an investigation into press standards.
2011-12 The Leveson Enquiry takes place, with Lord Brian Justice Leveson interviewing hundreds of politicians, editors, celebrities and members of the public.
2012 Leveson published his report and calls for change.
2014 The PCC is shut down and the IPSO (Independent Press Standards Organisation) is established as its replacement.
IPSO is an independent regulator of the newspaper and magazine industry, consisting of 12 members with 7 of them having no connections with the press industry.
