Mass media: regulation and censorship

Broadcasting Standards Commission

Address

7 The Sanctuary London SW1P 3JS (0171-233 0544)

Web site: www.bsc.org.uk

Structure

The Commission consists of 13 Commissioners, whose Chairman is Lord Dubs. All are appointed by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for between three and five years.

Remit

Established 1988; became a statutory body under the Broadcasting Act 1990.

Although it is a statutory body, it does not play a regulatory rôle, only an advisory one. That is according to its own publications. Nevertheless, you should note that, according to its own publications, 'broadcasters are required to give general effect to the Code's provisions in their own codes and guidelines' and, where complaints from the public are concerned, 'the Council has the power to require the broadcaster to publish its Findings in the Press or on air'. (My italics)

Monitoring

It monitors all licensed services, including satellite and cable, but not the BBC. Monitoring consists of gauging audience's attitudes and content analysis of broadcast output receivable in the UK. The findings are published as Monitoring Reports.

The BSC is charged with monitoring the representation in television and radio of a range of issues relating to taste and decency, including sex, violence, language, stereotyping and the coverage of disasters.

The Council commissions research each year to provide an annual 'snapshot' of TV trends. In 1994, the survey was carried ou over a fortnight with a panel of 425 viewers, of whom 53% found at least one programme giving rse to concern. Though vigorously defended by the BSC, the research was described by Michael Grade, C4's Chief Executive, as 'risible'. (The Guardian 03/03/95)

Research

Under the Broadcasting Act 1990, the BSC is required to carry out research into the effects of broadcasting. The results are published as Annual Reviews or BSC Monographs, with such titles as A Measure of Uncertainty: The Effects of the Mass Media, Violence in Television Fiction, Sex and Sexuality in Broadcasting. These are available from Faber (01279-417 134)

As part of its programme of research the BSC also monitors public attitudes by bringing groups such as teachers or parents together to discuss broadcasting output.

Code of Practice

The BSC has produced a Code of Practice which is regularly reviewed. This arises out of its research and monitoring, as well as out of consultation with media professionals. The full code of practice may be downloaded here.

The Code itself is around forty pages long. Its three main sections cover:

	The Portrayal of Violence news bulletins current affairs and documentaries violence in fiction acquired material
	The Portrayal of Sex news and current affairs documentaries discussion programmes drama light entertainment
	Taste and Decency the limits of language offences against religious sensibilities lyrics preserving dignity alcohol, drugs and smoking

Complaints

The Council deals with complaints from the audience. It can request recordings of material (which broadcasters are required under the Broadcasting Act 1990 to keep) and can require a written statement or hearing from the broadcasters who have to explain the editorial decisions behind the transmission of the material complained about.

Like the PCC, the BSC will not consider complaints which are or will become the subject of legal action. There is also a time limit. Complaints about programmes from outside the UK are not taken up, though the BSC can report to the Secretary for the National Heritage, who may then take it up with the EU or the Council of Europe.