How far do changes to the regulation of media reflect broader social changes

Introduction

BBFC is an independent, not for profit and non-governmental body. It was set up in 1912 by the film industry. They regulate film/DVDs and videos to prevent people from buying or watching films which are not suitable for them

 History

Between 1912 – 1949 the BBFC did not have any written rules or code of practice, since 2000 the BBFC has operated under a series of published guidelines

During 1982 there was a review to the category system, an ‘A’ rating was changed to ‘PG’, ‘AA’ was changed to a ‘15’ and ‘X’ became an ‘18’. Also a new category was introduced ‘R18’ this was permitted to more explicit sex films to be shown in members only clubs.

In 1989 the ‘12’ certificate on film, to bridge the huge gap between ‘PG’ and ‘15’. This was extended to video in 1994.  There were calls for stricter standards following the Jamie Bulger case, with the media singling out the film Child’s Play 3 (1991).

Purpose

The BBFC’S mission is to

·         Protect the public (especially children and vulnerable adults) from content which might raise harm

·         To enable the public (especially parents) to make aware and informed of viewing choices

·         Respond to and reflect changing social attitudes towards media content through creating public research.

 Case Studies

·         A clockwork orange

·         Emmanuelle

·         Reservoir dogs

Effectiveness

In terms of effectiveness censorship is still in place, and recently the BBFC has had to deal with a slew of torture based films in which torture is a major plot device or theme in the film such as human centipede 2. However, arguments suggesting that it is impossible to measure how much gore/torture or violence an audience can take it still very much valid. Also there more access to movies than ever before with the use of pirate bay websites.