The document summarizes several regulatory and professional bodies within the UK creative media sector, including the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) which rates films for different age groups, the British Video Association which represents video publishers and rights owners, the Film Distributors Association which represents film distributors, the Video Standards Council which sets standards for the video and computer games industries, the Office of Communications (OFCOM) which regulates communications services, Trading Standards which protects consumers, and the Press Complaints Commission which regulates the British press.

1. REGULATORY
AND
PROFESSIONAL
BODIES
W
ITHIN
THE
CREATIVE
M
EDIA
SECTOR
BY JACK ROGERS
Task 3 Understand the regulation of the media sector

2. BRITISH BOARD OF FILM CLASSIFICATION
(BBFC)
The British board of film the BBFC is an independent non government organization that will give any film
the right classification foe example a U film is targeted at any age group 4 years of age and above a U
film does not show any violence or horror scenes in the film.
A PG film which stands for parental guidance is more or less the same as a u but with some unsuitable
scenes for children the targeted age group for this classification is 8 years and above
A 12 A and a 12 is obviously targeted at 12 years of age and above The ‘12A’ category exists only for
cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by
an adult as scenes may upset children under 12
No-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a
‘15rated video work
.
No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’
rated video work.
To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of
not less than 18 years this may show content such as sex action and horror scenes.

3. BRITISH VIDEO ASSOCIATION
The BVA was established 30 years ago to represent the interests of
publishers and rights owners of pre-recorded video entertainment.
Today, around 8,000 titles are released every year in the UK, on
DVD, Blu-ray Discs and 3D Blu-ray Discs through to Digital TV-based
and web-based internet services, available to rent or to own on
portable devices and for home consumption.

4. FILM DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
The distributors association is a distributing
stance in regular represents to and consults
with the uk film council, the government and
other trade originations in the film industry.

5. 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.
The video and games industries owe a duty of care to their
customers and the public generally. The VSC will do its utmost to
ensure that this duty is discharged.
The explanations, advice and guidance contained in this website are
given in good faith but in many instances relate to questions that
can only be decided by a court of law. All questions requiring a
definitive interpretation of the law should be answered by referring
to the legislation itself or obtaining professional legal advice

6. OFFICE FOR COMMUNICATION (OFCOM)
main legal duties are to ensure:
the UK has a wide range of electronic communications services, including
high-speed services such as broadband;
a wide range of high-quality television and radio programmes are provided,
appealing to a range of tastes and interests;
television and radio services are provided by a range of different
organisations;
people who watch television and listen to the radio are protected from
harmful or offensive material;
people are protected from being treated unfairly in television and radio
programmes, and from having their privacy invaded; and
a universal postal service is provided in the UK – this means a six days a
week, universally priced delivery and collection service across the
country; and
the radio spectrum (the airwaves used by everyone from taxi firms and boat
owners, to mobile-phone companies and broadcasters) is used in the
most effective way.

7. TRADING STANDARDS CENTRAL
The Trading Standards Institute was founded in 1881. It represents
Trading Standards professionals in the UK, and overseas - in local
authorities, business and peoples sectors and in central
government.
Goals
TSI has five broad corporate aims:
To Support TSI Members and TS Services so the trading standards profession can innovate, sustain
outcomes and develop new practitioners.
To develop innovative solutions through anticipating and responding to the changing needs of our
members.
To make an operating contribution through diversification so that our ambitions can be realised.
To expand our influence and operations through International market surveillance solutions.
To ensure our campaigns, products and policies have high impact

8. PRESS COMPLAINTS
COMMISSION (PCC)
The Press Complaints Commission (PCC) is a voluntary
regulatory body for British printed newspapers and
magazines, consisting of representatives of the major
publishers. The PCC is funded by the annual levy it
charges newspapers and magazines. It has no legal
powers – all newspapers and magazines voluntarily
contribute to the costs of, and adhere to the rulings
of, the Commission, making the industry self-
regulating.