Media regulationMedia regulationFirst Diploma - Theory

“If violence is shown as normal on the TV screen, it will help to create a violent society.”

Mary Whitehouse, Address at Birmingham Town Hall, 1964

Jamie Bulger Case

Columbine massacre

Effects of non regulation (?)Effects of non regulation (?)

The British Board of Classification The British Board of Classification (BBFC)(BBFC)

The BBFC are “the independent regulator of the film and video industry in the UK.” They are responsible for classifying cinema releases, DVDs, video-games and advertisements shown in cinemas. Their classification is only recommendatory in cinema release – it can be over-ruled by the Local Authority. However, their classification is mandatory on DVD and video-game releases.

What do they consider?What do they consider?

Task:

In your notepads, write down different aspects of films that you may think that classifiers take into account when classifying a film.

Drugs

Nudity SEX

ThemeViolenceHorror

Imitable behaviour Language