Regulatory Bodies

Every sector has an organisation that is responsible for ensuring that the media products within that sector are compliant with laws and industry standards.

 British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)

The BBFC, is the organisation which gives films their classifications such as PG, U, 12.
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• It was set up in 1912.
• The BBFC have never accepted funds off the government to ensure that it stays independent.
• The Video Recordings Act was passed in 1984 by Parliament. 
• It is funded by the film industry It is required to classify videos, DVD and games.

Office for Communication (Ofcom)

• It is a communications regulator.
• They regulate the TV and radio sectors, fixed line telecoms,mobiles, postal services, plus the airwaves over which wireless devices operate.
• Ofcom operates under the Communications Act 2003.Ofcom is funded by fees from industry.
• The Act says that Ofcom’s general duties should be to further the interests of citizens and of consumers. Meeting these twoduties is at the heart of everything we do.

Press Complaints Commission (PCC)

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  The purpose of the PCC is to serve the public by holding editors to account.The PCC is an independent body which administers the system of self-regulation for the press. It does so primarily by dealing with complaints.
• It can also assist individuals by representing their interests to editors in advance of an article about them being published.
• They aim to promote high standards by developing clear guidance and practical principles through our rulings, and offering training and advice to editors and journalists

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 theCommittees of Advertising Practice.
• Their work includes acting on complaints and proactively checking the media to take action against misleading, harmful or offensive advertisements.
• They investigate and adjudicate on potential breaches of theAdvertising Codes, and monitor compliance with the rules.
• Their mission is to ensure that advertising in all media is legal,decent, honest and truthful, to the benefit of consumers,business and society.

The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) 

• PEGI is an age rating system was established to help European parents make informed decisions on buying computer games. 
• It was launched in spring 2003 and replaced a number of national age rating systems with a single system now used throughout most of Europe, in 30 countries
• The system is supported by the major console manufacturers, including Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo, as well as by publishers and developers of interactive games throughout Europe. 
• The age rating system was developed by the Interactive Software Federation of Europe (ISFE).