Regulatory and professional bodies within the Creative Media Sector

Joe Hayes

Task 3 Understand the regulation of the media sector

British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)

The BBFC have the deciding factor on what classification films, DVD’s and some games are going to be in Britain before they are released, whether it be a PG or an 18. The BBFC was founded in 1912.

British Video Association

The BVA represents the interests of publishers and rights of owners of video entertainment. The British Video Association was set up around 1980. The industry releases about 8,000 titles a year, from film and television, music video, sport and fitness, children's and special interest. In 2011 including all digital and physical retail sales.

Film Distributors Association

The FDA is the trade body for theatrical film distributors in the UK - the companies that release films for UK cinema audiences. They were originally established in London in 1915, FDA liaises and works with many individuals, companies and organisations. FDA's Council, or board, comprising a senior representative of each member company, normally meets six times a year and considers only matters of generic interest to film distributors.

Video Standards Council (VSC)

The VSC was established in 1989 as a non-profit making body set-up to develop and oversee a Code of Practice designed to promote high standards within the video industry. The Code has subsequently been expanded to promote high standards within the computer games industry. Pre-recorded videos, DVD's and computer games bring entertainment, pleasure and enjoyment to many millions of people but they are also a very powerful means of communication.

Office for Communication (Ofcom)

Ofcom is the communications regulator. They regulate the TV and radio sectors, fixed line telecoms, mobiles, postal services, plus the airwaves over which wireless devices operate

Trading Standards Central

The Trading Standards Institute is a professional membership association formed in 1881. It represents trading standards professionals in the UK and overseas - in local authorities, the business and consumer sectors and in central government. It exists to promote and protect the success of a modern vibrant economy, and to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of citizens by enhancing the professionalism of members in support of empowering consumers, encouraging honest business and targeting rogue traders.

Press ComplaintsCommission (PCC)

The PCC is an independent body which administers the system of self-regulation for the press. It does so primarily by dealing with complaints, framed within the terms of the Editors' Code of Practice, about the editorial content of newspapers and magazines.

Advertising Standards Authority(ASA).

The Advertising Standards Authority is the UK’s independent regulator of advertising across all media. They apply the Advertising Codes, which are written by the Committees of Advertising Practice. Their work includes acting on complaints and proactively checking the media to take action against misleading, harmful or offensive advertisements.