Regulation (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Media Studies): Revision Note
Exam code: C680
Regulation
What is the purpose of regulation?
The purpose of regulation is to control and monitor media content
Regulation aims to:
Protect audiences, especially children and young people
Prevent harmful, inaccurate or inappropriate content
Each industry sector has its own regulatory body with its own set of rules and guidance
These organisations operate independently
Regulatory bodies
Regulatory bodies set guidelines and enforce standards that media producers must follow
Regulation varies globally meaning that rules may be different outside of the UK
In the UK, the following regulatory bodies aim to keep us safe:
Sector | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
TV, Radio and online media | OFCOM (Office of Communications) can issue fines or sanctions for harmful, offensive, or misleading content |
Film and Music Videos | The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) give films and music videos age ratings to recognise age-appropriate content |
Print (newspapers and magazines) | IPSO (Independent Press Standards Organisation) ensure compliance with the ‘Editors' Code of Practice’, which establishes standards around content being accurate and fair |
Adverts | ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) can ban or demand the removal of misleading or offensive ads |
Video Games | The Video Standards Council (VSC) uses PEGI age ratings to guide around game-play themes and content |
Worked Example
C1 Section B Industry
Briefly explain the effect of regulation on Fortnite
[4 marks]
Regulation affects Fortnite by making sure the game is suitable and safe for its audience. It is regulated by the VSC and has a PEGI 12 rating for “frequent scenes of mild violence” meaning the violence is not realistic or graphic. It can be played by younger teenagers. Rules about online safety and in-game purchases also affect the game through features such as parental controls that allow adults to limit spending on V-Bucks, control who children can communicate with, and restrict length of play time. Online safety rules also require reporting and blocking tools, which help protect players from inappropriate behaviour.
Challenges of regulation
New digital technologies create huge challenges for regulation
Online platforms allow users to upload content instantly and constantly, which is difficult to keep track of and monitor
Some media products online are regulated by other industry bodies
Example: the BBFC age rates some music videos
Global media companies do not always follow UK rules but the internet makes these products accessible to audiences in the UK
Social media makes it harder to control fake news and harmful content
Regulation struggles to keep up with rapid technological change
There is an ongoing debate about how to regulate online and social media, resulting in lots of aspects of the internet remaining unregulated
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