Unit 2: Pitching and Planning: OFCOM and BBFC

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Task: OFCOM

Ofcom is the communications regulator in the UK.

Ofcom regulates TV and radio sectors, fixed line telecoms, mobiles, postal services, plus the airwaves over which wireless devices operate.

Ofcom makes sure that people in the UK get the best from their communications services and are protected from scams and sharp practices, while ensuring that competition can thrive.

Ofcom’s principal duty is to further the interests of citizens and of consumers, where appropriate by promoting competition. Meeting this duty is at the heart of everything it does.

Ofcom is funded by fees from industry for regulating broadcasting and communications networks, and grant-in-aid from the Government.

What Ofcom do:

Their main legal duties are to ensure:

• the UK has a wide range of electronic communications services, including high-speed services such as broadband;
• a wide range of high-quality television and radio programmes are provided, appealing to a range of tastes and interests;
• television and radio services are provided by a range of different organisations;
• people who watch television and listen to the radio are protected from harmful or offensive material;
• people are protected from being treated unfairly in television and radio programmes, and from having their privacy invaded;
• a universal postal service is provided in the UK - this means a six days a week, universally priced delivery and collection service across the country; and
• the radio spectrum (the airwaves used by everyone from taxi firms and boat owners, to mobile-phone companies and broadcasters) is used in the most effective way.

Read the information above and answer the following questions


Activity 1

1. Explain the roles and responsibilities of Ofcom
   

2. Explain how Ofcom are funded
3. Explain Ofcom’s main duties
4. Research the codes for viewers under the age of eighteen
5. Explain what is meant by appropriate scheduling.

Activity 2

Find a music video that has been banned and explain why OFCOM banned it.

Find a music video which has had a complaint to OFCOM

Explain how your narrative and content of your music video will follow the codes for viewers under the age of eighteen and how important it is to abide by the rules.

 
Activity 3

watch the You Tube video on BBFC (http://youtu.be/NjGPvOV3wv4) and answer the following questions:

BBFC

Who are they and what do they do?

What can you/can't you show in a PG, 12A and 15?