How is the industry regulated?

Why regulate the Music Industry?

The music business has to have a large self-regulated industry. Every aspect needs to be controlled, from publishers to licensers, individual artists, from collecting agencies and to copyright trademark offices. Each organisation in this industry have their responsibilities.

Single portals for parents to complain about products that are viewed as inappropriate for children are to be proposed by the government for tighter regulation's on sexualized music videos.

Case Study:

 Government report into sexualisation of childhood set to propose tougher regulations on retail, advertising and video industry;
The report has been commissioned by Reg Bailey (chief executive of Mothers Union) and David Cameron. They have given the advertising, video and retail industry 18 months to improve their act.
Bailey has found devastating research showing parents are increasingly becoming worried at what they see as the premature sexualisation of children by industries, such as; Next, FCUK, Top Shop.
Critic's have complained that the government are trying to revert back to a Victorian image and takes in no account to how the digital age has transformed childhood irrevocably.

Katy Perry is a controversial star who's audience varies from young children to teenagers; however she is an example of portraying premature sexualisation.

The music industry is expected to put a advisory age rating on music videos.
Bailey is likely to be asked by the government to follow through with this act to ensure his recommendations are implement. Reasons for a push of this report would be how three reports have previously been published and little happened.

Another major issue at the time of this report was the Rihanna video 'Man Down' where she was criticised for shooting a man down who rapes her. Parents in America were not happy with the music video produced and believed it portrayed sexual references and tighter regulations needed to be reinforced.

Finding from Reg Baileys Review:

• Around half of parents felt that celebrity culture, adult style clothes and music videos are encouraging children to act older than they are.

• 40% of parents said they had seen things in public places (shop window displays, advertising hoardings) that they felt were inappropriate for children to see because of their sexual content.

Bailey has previously said: "For us to let children be children, we need to let parents be parents. That means giving parents the support and encouragement they need to help their children understand and resist the harms they face".
"But it also means putting brakes on ever greater commercialisation and sexualisation facing children in modern society. Only then can we look to create a truly family friendly society that protects children."

 

What can parents do to furthermore regulate media products than can be controlled?

Independent regulator and competition authority
for the UK communications industries.

-  One main focus point of Ofcom when helping parents regulate the media, would be the mobile phone. This would be a main focus point because the mobile phone is a source of a convergence. This is where everything is connected/available on one device. For example the internet, messaging, emails, phone calls, games (apps) etc.
- Ofcom is all about helping parents report signs of unwanted information on their device and how to do so.


For example, this logo is crucial from parents and Ofcom instructs parents on how to use this and when is necessary and what happens.



- Ofcom does not necessarily only give advice on mobile phones or convergence devices but the media online, (internet). Furthermore Ofcom does not purely target parents but anyone who is seeking help or advice on media issues. Audiences can leave comments about recent matters which they have overcome or are possibly disgusted by.