The British Board of Film Classification independently rates films, videos, and some video games that are shown in UK cinemas. While local authorities have the power to decide what films are shown, they typically follow the BBFC's ratings. The British Video Association represents video publishers and rights owners. The Film Distributors Association is the UK trade body for theatrical film distributors. The Video Standards Council establishes and oversees a code of practice for the video industry. Ofcom regulates television, radio, telecommunications and wireless transmissions. Trading Standards enforces commercial regulations at the local level. The Press Complaints Commission handles complaints about newspaper and magazine content. The Advertising Standards Authority regulates all advertising media in the UK.

1. Regulatory and professional bodies
within the Creative Media Sector
Task 3 Understand the regulation of the media sector

2. British Board of Film
Classification (BBFC)
The British Board of Film Classification is an
independent, non-governmental body which has
classified cinema films since it was set up in
1912. The BBFC rates theatrically-released films,
videos and some video games. Legally, local
authorities have the power to decide under what
circumstances films are shown in cinemas, but
they nearly always choose to follow the advice of
the BBFC.

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. Their primary role is to help
maintain a business environment with the
least regulatory problems and best conditions
that enables video's crucial role in the audio-
visual eco-system to continue.

4. Film Distributors Association
The Film Distributors Association is the
trade body for theatrical film distributors
in the UK - the companies that release
films for UK cinema audiences. As well
as this, it is also a key service provider
to the UK's national and regional media.

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.

6. 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. Also known
as The Office of Communications.

7. Trading Standards Central
Trading Standards is the name given to local
authority departments in the UK formerly known
as Weights and Measures. Frequently, the Trading
Standards enforcement functions of a local authority
are performed by a small part of a larger department
which enforces a wide range of other legislation.
They investigate commercial organisations that trade
outside the law or in unethical ways. Which then they
attempt to remedy breaches by advice or by formal
enforcement action.

8. Press Complaints
Commission (PCC)
The PCC is an independent self-regulatory
body which deals with complaints
about the editorial content of newspapers
and magazines. They attempt to protect
the rights of individuals, while at the same
time preserving appropriate freedom of
expression for the press.

9. 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.