Regulatory bodies - issues - Media Industry

Introduction

In the media industry there are organisations known as 'Regulatory bodies' whom regulate the media. This is to make sure people within the media abide by any guidelines or ethical guidelines which they may be. In the post I am going to be explaining the issues surrounding regulatory bodies in the media industry.

What is a monopoly ?

A monopoly is when a specific company or brand name have a hold over the majority of a particular market. This lessens competition resulting in less of a chance in smaller companies to succeed. An example of this would be Rupert Murdoch's (Owner of news corporation) hold over the world's press and media. Due to he fact, he owns so much of the worlds media industry, their is barely any room for other stake holders or organisations. A monopoly can be beneficial in a sense that it increases the revenue of a company. This means that the company can then invest in things such as research or better technology. This can overall result in the business coming out with much better products due to their high profit margin. However, If a company has a monopoly they are less likely to invest in other businesses. This cause a detrimental effect on the market. It will also leave little to no room for any competition which can hinder new innovative companies breaking into the market.

Why is it it important to ensure that no one single media producer in the UK has a monopoly ?

It is important to maintain a range of producers owning different aspects of the media industry. This is because if one producer has control over the whole of a media sector than they gain monopoly. Having one producer owning a monopoly could be detrimental to the industry. This is due to many reasons, the main one being that their will be no room for competition. Due to the single producer have a hold over the sector no over companies or producers will stand a chance. This will hinder diversity within the industry because no new companies can come in bringing new ideas and products. Instead, the single producer will release products and services which suit them and help their company gain more power. All in all, it is imperative 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 of how they purchase and utilise the product. For example when buying a fill having the options of purchasing it on other formats such as digitally. 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. For instance, their are a range of companies producing smart phones. This is important as it reinforces diversity within the industry and ensures a range of companies can earn money. It also helps us as a customer, giving us more of a range of options so we are not bound to one company. An example of a company who gives their customers consumer choice would be 'Apple'. They originally produced musical devises. However through the use of vertical integration they now create many other types of similar products. These are ranging from mobile phones, tablets and t.v's. This gives their consumer more for a choice as to what type of device they want to buy. This will increase their sales as many new customers now have a range of options that can suit them.

What is censorship ?

Censorship is the act of withholding information or a production from the public. This 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.

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 considerations by regulators ?

Under 18's undergo many exceptions to the rules set in place by regulatory bodies. This is due to many rules in the media regarding under 18's. This is because a person under the age of 18 is not classed as an adult therefore needs to be protected under many acts. These come into many things such as data protection and privacy. Under 18's need to be protected to a responsible degree within media sectors due to being classed as a child or young person. In regards to censorship , minors cannot be portrayed 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.