Identifying regulatory issues

 In the media industry there are organisations known as 'Regulatory bodies' who regulate the media. This is to make sure people within the media follow any guidelines or ethical guidelines which they must depending on what they are producing. In the post I am going to be explaining the issues surrounding regulatory bodies in the media industry.

Definition of monopoly

A monopoly is when a company have ownership over the majority of the media market. An example of this would be Rupert Murdoch's hold over newspapers and media. Due to the fact, he owns so much of the world’s media industry, there is barely any room for other organisations to have a say in what goes on in the media industry. A monopoly can be beneficial if it increases the revenue of a company. This means that the company can then invest in things such as research or better technology. If a company has a monopoly they are less likely to invest in other businesses. It will leave little to no room for any competition which can hinder new innovative companies breaking into the market.

Why is it important no single media producer in the UK has a monopoly

It is important to have a lot of different businesses owning different parts of the media industry. This is because if one producer has control over the whole of a media sector, they gain monopoly. Having one person or company owning a monopoly could be detrimental to the industry. This is due to many reasons, the main one being that there will be no room for competition. Because of the single business having a hold over the industry no other company will stand a chance. The one owner will release products and services which they like instead of putting other people in as well as the one that can help their company gain more power. All in all, it is important to ensure a single producer doesn't have a monopoly. This is in order to maintain diversity within the industry and leave room for other companies.

Why is consumer choice important?

Consumer choice means giving the customers of your product the right of choice in regards to what they purchase. For example when buying a TV box like virgin, sky or free view. Many people will decide due to the price, the content or what else is included in the package for their reasons for picking this. Every different Satellite TV company has different varieties to offer in order to sell their product. This is important as it increases convenience for the consumer. It also ensures the product can fulfil a range of required purposes. This means that sales will increase because more customers will rely on the company, due to the range of choice and convenience. Consumer choice could also apply to a series of different companies.

Definitions of censorship

Censorship is usually done because the product is seen as potentially harmful or offensive. Censorship is controlled depending on what media sector you are working within. For instance, the ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) control the censorship of advertisements in the UK. This would differ from the BBFC (British board of film classification) who regulate censorship in films. The advert above is an example of media censorship in the UK as it was banned. This was mainly down to bad timing, as the London riots were unfolding in Britain upon it's release. Due to this the ASA banned the advertisement as the though it may incite violence or playing with fireworks. Above is a television advert which was banned due to the effects which it had on the public following it's release. Many parents were complaining that overweight children were getting bullied as a result of it.

Why do people think there is a fine line between censorship and protecting the public interest

Without censorship many harmful advertisements could be exposed to the public. This could incite illegal activities depending on the context of the advertisement  Also obscene advertisement could be published which would have a bad influence on the public (generally minors). However censorship also comes with a few disadvantages. For example it can stop effective and innovative advertisements being released due to bad undertones or references. This in a way restricts the public from seeing advertisement in which they may enjoy. This can also be the same for censorship regarding films. If a film is deemed inappropriate and needs to be censored then it might refrain the viewer from seeing an important scene.

Why should under 18’s be subject to particular consideration by regulators

Under 18's have many exceptions to the rules set in place by regulatory bodies. This is because people under the age of 18 are not classed as an adult therefore they need to be protected under many acts. In regards to censorship , minors cannot be shown negatively This is due to discrimination. Also advertisements for alcohol have to be intentionally not aimed at minors. This means young people cannot be used or encouraged to consume alcohol during and advertisement or publication.

In my opinion I believe that explicit censorship should be used for under 18’s under the circumstances of sexual behaviour, and violence. Although a lot of this can be seen on the internet and there are worse things shown on TV shows such as soaps and TV dramas.