Understand the Regulation of the Media Sector

Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) was established in 1962 to ensure

that all ads are "both honest and decent," whether they are broadcast on
television, radio, newspapers, or billboards. It is funded by an anonymous tax
collected from advertisers and is independent of the government. The ASA
would consider both the overall impression generated by marketing
communications and the particular statements made. They investigate
consumer complaints, and the ASA is prepared to respond to these complaints
and ensuring that there are no problems with privacy security.

British Board of Film Classifications (BBFC)

The BBFC reviews and age rates films and videos before they are released in
order to protect children from inappropriate and potentially harmful material
in films and videos, as well as to provide viewers with information they may
need about a film or video before deciding whether or not to watch it. They
watch movies and videos from beginning to end and give each one an age
rating and insight. They use the requirements and conditions in the
Classification Guidelines to determine their age rating.
 Office for Communication (Ofcom)

Ofcom oversee the television and radio industries, as well as fixed and mobile
communications, postal facilities, and the airwaves that wireless devices use.
They ensure that people in the United Kingdom get the most out of their
communications services and are safe from scams and unfair practices, all
while allowing competition to thrive. Ofcom is funded by business fees for
monitoring broadcasting and communications networks, as well as
government grant-in-aid.

British Board of Film and TV Arts (Bafta)

Ofcom oversee the television and radio industries, as well as fixed and mobile
communications, postal facilities, and the airwaves that wireless devices use.
They ensure that people in the United Kingdom get the most out of their
communications services and are safe from scams and unfair practices, all
while allowing competition to thrive. Ofcom is funded by business fees for
monitoring broadcasting and communications networks, as well as
government grant-in-aid.
 British Video Association (BVA)

The BVA was established nearly 30 years ago to represent the interests of
video home entertainment publishers and content owners. The primary
function of the British Video Association is to create a market environment
with the fewest regulatory burdens and best conditions for publishers to
conduct their commercial operations, as well as to provide a service to all
stakeholders, large and small, in areas where businesses can operate more
efficiently with a single voice.

Film Distributors’ Association Ltd. (FDA)

The Film Distributors' Association Ltd. (FDA) is the trade association for
theatrical film distributors in the United Kingdom, which are companies that
release films for UK audiences. The FDA communicates and cooperates with a
wide range of people, businesses, and organizations, it is the UK film
distribution industry's voice.

Film is a vital and influential part of the UK's creative economy, and FDA is
actively involved in the industry's ongoing efforts to fight piracy and theft.