LO3 Understanding the regulation of the media sector

Film Classification and Censorship

Who are the BBFC and what do they do?
The BBFC are the British Board of Film Classification. They are an organisation
funded by the film industry, and are responsible for the national classification
and censorship of films with in the UK. The objective of such an organisation is
to protect the public from content


What are the 6 UK classification certificates?
The first category is U which stands for universal. They class this as suitable
for all. A film in the universal category should have a positive frame work and
have counter balances to any violence, threat or horror. They allow only minor
use of mild language such as hell. However they do not allow sexual
behaviour or innuendos. A few popular films in this category are: Barbie as the
Princess and the Pauper, Fantasia and Toy Story 3.
The next category is PG which stands for parental guidance. This is considered
to be for general viewing but some scenes may be unsuitable for young
children. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch a PG. They might
allow a sexual reference if they feel that children will not understand it. PG
rated films do not allow a great deal of bad/inappropriate language. A few
examples of this are Frozen, Toy Story and Monsters Inc.
The next category is 12 and 12a this not generally suitably for children under
12, however you can watch a 12a if you are with a parent or guardian. They do
not allow frequent scenes of horror in 12 or 12a films, however they do allow
brief and discreet scenes of sexual content. Examples of these are: War Horse,
The Day After Tomorrow and The Hobbit.
The next category is 15 this means it is suitable for 15 years of age and over.
This is because they often involve things like, nudity in a sexual context and
LO3 Understanding the regulation of the media sector

strong language. However they are not allowed to contain scenes of mass
gore. Examples of this: The Inbetweeners Movie and Dallas Buyers Club.
This category is 18 that means it is only suitable for adults. This is because
adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. There is no limit on
what can be shown in adults films as it is at the viewers discretion to be
watching it. An example of this is: Drive, The Thing and Lets Go To Prison.


Why does the BBFC classify films?
The BBFC classify films using age rating to protect children from unsuitable and
harmful content in films and videos. Areas considered in a classification are
discrimination, drugs, horror, dangerous and easily imitable behaviour,
language, nudity, sex and violence. They also consider context, the tone and
likely impact on the potential audience. Age classification is also an important
and useful tool for parents when deciding upon films for their children to
watch. Without such strict classification young and vulnerable people could
and would be exposed to highly inappropriate material.

What is censorship?
Censorship is the suppression of speech or other public communication which
might be considered harmful and sensitive. For example if someone was to
write a book on a sensitive subject and the person didnt not want to be
named they would create a name, this is a form of censorship as they a
withholding part of the truth from the public. For instance leaders have been
burning books for hundreds of years to censor opinions that oppose the ones
that they rule by. In China the government have censored a lot from their
people, for example they have banned the use of Facebook as t is a large way
to share information, thoughts, ideas, conspiracys and more. Governments
like censorship because they can use it to control of information and ideas
circulated within a society.
LO3 Understanding the regulation of the media sector

Give an example of censorship. (Include film title, complaint/reason for censoring and
outcome)
On 10 May 1933 German students from universities gathered in Berlin and other German
cities to burn books that contained ideas that were seen as unGerman. Books by Freud,
Einstein, H.G. Wells and many others were burnt as the students gave the Nazi salute. The
main purpose of this was to end the era of extreme Jewish intellectualism. Also, by
removing these books they were able to remove independent thought, which posed a
threat to Hitler as he wanted people to blindly follow him, without any doubt in him. His
main aim was also to win the minds of the youth and maintain it. By eradicating books
which promoted anti-Nazi ideas he removed any evidence of anti-Nazism which would
create a country of pro-Nazi ideals. If you are surrounded by something, with nothing
contradicting it, you are more than likely going to agree to the thought of it.


How do you make a complaint about a film?
The BBFC web site has a section on their home page which lists about how to
make a complaint with a link. In this section they say
We actively monitor and respond to all complaints regarding film classification decisions.
You can lodge a complaint with us via ParentPorts complaints section. The BBFC aims to
deal with all complaints within 10 working days.
Blow this they have a click here link which redirects you to this page:
http://www.parentport.org.uk/make-a-complaint/ this page is where you say
what you are complaining about, whether it is a program, advert, film, video
game, a newspaper or magazine or something else. Each of these ask you
where you saw the particular item that offended or upset you. After you have
selected where you saw it you will be redirected to yet another website where
you make your actual complaint. This is a very lengthy processes, however it is
extremely organised to ensure that the right people deal with your complaint.