Homework 1: w/b 31st January

Reflections from lessons 1 + 2:

• There are institutions that regulate media, the 'Media Police':
• Ofcom; TV, radion, communications industries
• BBFC; film, DVD, video games
• PCC; newpapers, magazines
• ASA; adverts, advertising industries
• BBC Trust; BBC output
• Although the BBFC regulate film, TV etc, it is the local authorities who have the deciding say on what is shown in their areas. For example in 2003, parents were outraged when Spiderman had a high 12A rating sothe councils overthrew the BBFC's decision.
• Guidelines are updated every 5 years so that they are up to date. 

a)  Who are the BBFC, what is their role and how are they funded?

• The British Board of Film Classification is an independant, non governmental body funded through the fees it charges to those who submit films and video work for classification
• BBFC classifies films on behalf of the local authorites who licence cinemas under the Licencing Act 2003
• The BBFC also classifies video works that are streamed or downloaded over the internet under a voluntary scheme called BBFC.online
• The Guidelines are not a legal document but reflect considerations

b) General principles followed

• Works should be allowed to reach the widest audience that is appropriate for their theme and treatment
• Adults should be free to choose what they watch provided that it is legal and not potentially harmful

c) Legal considerations

• Human Right Act 1998
• The Licencing Act 2003
• The Video Recordings Act 1984
• The Obscene Publications Act 1959 & 1964
• Criminal Justice & Immigration Act 2008
• The Protection of Children Act 1078
• The Sexual Offences Act 2003
• The Public Order Act 1986
• The Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937
• The Animal Welfare Act 2006
• The Tobacco Advertising Act 2002

d) Overriding factors

• Titles
• Trailers/advertisements
• Public info ads/charity ads
• Video games