Formal Controls

Question 1

Traditional media

Answer 1

Mass media that communicates a uniform message in a one way, non interactive process to a very large audience. E.g BBC 1,2

Question 2

New media

Answer 2

Interactive screen-Based, Digital technology involving the interaction of images, text and sound. E.g CDs, DVD’s, Mp3’s

Question 3

Ofcom

Answer 3

The regulator for the communication services that we use.

Question 4

Responsibilities of Ofcom

Answer 4

• Furthering interests of customers.
• Ensuring that a wide range of television radio and communication networks are available in the UK.
• protecting the public from any offensive or potentially harmful events.

Question 5

BBC/ BBC Trust

Answer 5

• BBC is government funded through the TV licence fee of £157.50 per year.
• governed by the BBC trust and members are elected by the king on advice made by government ministers
• Reviewed every seven years.

Question 6

Independent broadcasting

Answer 6

Anything but the BBC which is regulated by Ofcom; adverts, other channels.

Question 7

The laws of Libel

Answer 7

Forbid the publication of an untrue statement of an individual which may lead to public disapproval

Question 8

The Official Secrets Act

Answer 8

Forbid the reporting of a government “official secret” without authorisation

Question 9

Defence and Security Media Advisory Notes

Answer 9

Request to not produce information of terrorism or defence which might be harmful to national security

Question 10

The racial and religious hatred act and equality act

Answer 10

Forbids the expression of opinions that will encourage discrimination against people of a certain group

Question 11

The obscene publication act

Answer 11

Forbid the publication of information that is obscene and indecent and likely to corrupt individuals

Question 12

Contempt Emption of court

Answer 12

Forbid the reporting of material about cases which are in the process of being dealt with in court