C4a2 For and against censorship and the watershed

Question 1

Effectiveness of watershed

Answer 1

There are fewer violent and sexual acts on British TV,- means that watershed not as necessary in UK compared to other countries. Counting violent acts not a very good indication of what is suitable for young children- subjective

Question 2

What do people think about regulating TV programs?

Answer 2

Most adults and children thought watershed should remain in place to protect children from unsuitable material. Most were concerned about children aged 8-12. Before 8- parents had more control over child, after 12- child responsible enough to make judgments
Watershed can also help show parents films suitable for child’s age

Question 3

Cumberbatch (1999)

Answer 3

Wrote about attitudes to TV viewing and carried out study using adults. Most people thought regulation was about right, but most (not regulators) thought they should decide what they watched, and most thought films should be broadcasted without censorship after 10pm.

Question 4

Criticism of watershed

Answer 4

Censorship may not be that effective as observing media role models is only one possible cause of violence in children

Question 5

Arguments for censorship

Answer 5

1) protects children from viewing things they aren’t ready to. Children are different in abilities and understanding of things
2) Most people are in favor of watershed to protect children

Question 6

Arguments against censorship

Answer 6

1) restricts people’s freedom to choose what they watch
2) restricts freedom of speech- key feature of society in UK
3) Britain had fewer violent acts per hour on TV- watershed may not be necessary
4) Authoritarian/ paternalistic government more likely to use censorship- can be seen as form of control and restriction