The media is regulated
because it has a powerful effect on the way we think. I decided to do some research on media regulation and its effect on us as the consumer
1.
Who
regulates the media?
One
type of media is television. British television is regulated by a company
called Ofcom (the office of communications). They are an independent company
who are not owned by the British government.
It regulates consumer’s complaints and competitions on TV.Print
media is self-regulated meaning it has no statutory body or company that take
care of the things said by journalists.http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100901083001AAdRSPQ
2.
Why does
the media needs regulating?
The
media needs regulating for the protection of public order as well as the
promotion of access, freedom to communicate, diversity and universal provision. http://www.le.ac.uk/oerresources/media/ms7501/mod2unit11/page_03.htm
3.
Should media
texts be subject to censorship?
The
media is subject to censorship so that certain content that may infuriate
consumers or influence others is not possible. As children and young adults are
‘greatly affected’ by what they see, censorship is needed to prevent any
influence. In television content is withheld to stop from showing scenes of
‘explicit or obscene nature’ This is done by blurring or cutting out the part
that is offensive. This is for the benefit of children and young adults. On the internet and in magazines certain
countries ban magazines of pornographic content for their ‘vulgarity’ As the
internet is viewable by all it is hard to censor what is shown but some sites
such a porn are in a ‘red alert area’ for the government.http://www.buzzle.com/articles/media-censorship-why-is-censorship-good.html
4.
What are
the key issues relating to media influence (Uses and Gratification Theory, Desensitisation,
Cultural Regulation), and how might they have affected you?
Is the
public protected or hindered by media regulation?
The key issues related to media influence is the effect it has on children. Gerbert a professor at the University of Penn
http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/mean-world-syndrome/
5.
What is
the moral responsibility of a media institution?
This is for a media institution to show their media product in a good
light. As the media is an on demand industry, companies strive to make money
and keep their consumers happy. The life we live however, in some ways prevents
us from doing this.
I feel that the moral responsibility of media institution is to make sure they provide a service to consumers that is suitable to all ages. By independent companies such as Ofcom, they are able to address issues found by the consumer to help improve the service they give to viewers. If they didn't do this I think that it could add to the influence children and young adults see on TV. In some cases this could lead to more crime and possibly murder.
