1. Learning Outcome
• To explore arguments to answer exam
questions

2. Task
• Based on your research, how could you start to formulate
arguments to these questions, and provide examples?
1.
What is the nature of contemporary media regulation compared
with previous practices?
1.
What are the arguments for and against specific forms of
contemporary media regulation?
2.
3.
How effective are regulatory practices?
What are the wider social issues relating to media regulation?
– You can consider what you have researched last week in mine and
RHE’s lessons

3. Legislation affecting Film Regulation
Cinematograph Act 1952
• Prohibited children from 'unsuitable' films. The
mandatory X certificate was introduced at around the
same time. Most local authorities use Home Office
Guidelines including
• no exhibition of film without certificate
• cinema box office to act as age bar
• the certificate must appear in advertising at the cinema
entrance and on screen immediately before the film is
shown
• no film to be exhibited if licensing authority gives
written notice prohibiting its exhibition

4. Legislation affecting Film Regulation
Cinematograph Act (Amendment) Act 1982
– Required that cinema clubs promoted for private gain must be licensed
The Video Recordings Act 1984
Cinemas Act 1985
– Consolidated the legislation
2003 Licensing Act
– BBFC named for the first time in cinema legislation
– If local councils overrule the BBFC or make their own decisions, they must have a
published policy in place
– At the cinema, the ultimate power lies with the local authorities, who can decide to
ignore the BBFC’s decisions at any time. In practice this rarely happens, although in 2002
before the new 12A category was introduced, several local authorities gave local PG or
PG12 certificates to Spider-Man in spite of the fact that the BBFC rating was a 12

5. Other
•
•
•
•
•
The Obscene Publications Act 1959 and 1964
The Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937
The Animal Welfare Act 2006
The Protection of Children Act 1978
Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994
• The Video Recordings Act 1984 / 2010

6. Other
• The Criminal Justice and Immigration Act
2008
• The Race Relations Act 1976
• The Hypnotism Act 1954
• The Human Rights Act 1998
• The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act
2002

7. Case Studies
• For Film regulation you need to research and
have in depth detail on
– At least 2 contemporary films that have had cuts or
changes made
– At least 2 historical films to compare
(film information should inc release date/ classification/
director/ how BBFC assessed categories)
– Theories that can support your arguments
– Legislation and statistics that support your arguments