Debate (50%)
Individual presentation in a formal debate on a regulatory issue, supported by written notes, equivalent to 3000 words [Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 4,6]

On-Line Test (50%)
A test delivered through Blackboard covering factual information about the broadcasting industry and appropriate actions on examples of regulatory issues [Learning Outcomes 1, 3, 4, 6].

This module surveys the current organisation of the established radio and television industries in the UK, along with their emerging relationship with online distribution through various forms of ‘web presence’. We examine the key characteristics by which the industry sectors are defined, including public service, commercial and the ‘alternative/’community’/’third’ sector. You will learn about practical consequences of corporate ownership, various funding models, institutional organisations and employment structures.

Acknowledging the importance of the current (post-Leveson) discussions around freedom of speech and regulation of the media, special attention is given to the increasing entanglement of political and media elites, to the challenging issue of media independence from both proprietors and from the state, and to the interpretation of the public interest. As the institutions of broadcasting and the way in which society regulates them are the subject of continuing debate, the module is also framed around the idea of debate.
The module examines Ofcom’s regulatory and licensing role in significant detail, along with constraints and responsibilities arising from Ofcom’s guiding principles which determine and influence broadcast practices. The understanding of these broad principles of media regulation will help to contextualise current debates about the impact of digitalisation, convergence and globalisation of broadcasting and other media. The arrival of new interactive technologies and increased access to electronic ‘means of production’, prompts us to look closely at the dual potential of new ICTs as agents of freedom and enablers of surveillance and control.

The teaching time in the module is mainly in the form of lecture / workshops in which you consider the underlying principles of broadcast regulation and licensing and how they shape patterns of ownership and organisation across the range of broadcast media. Each of these areas is subject to ongoing
debate and much of your independent study is concerned with researching the opposing arguments (e.g. for and against various forms of censorship). You are also introduced to the broad practical effects that legislation, current broadcast regulation and organisational policies have on individual programme makers.
You will be encouraged to read the broadcasting press and keep up to date with day-to-day changes in the broadcasting industry.

Key Information Set Data:
20% scheduled activity / 80% guided independent learning

Benz, J., Mago, J., Timmerman, J. (2014) National Association of Broadcasters Legal Guide to Broadcast Law and Regulation, Focal Press.
Creech, K. (2013) Electronic Media Law and Regulation, Routledge.
Dubber, A. (2013) Radio in the Digital Age, Polity Press.
Franklin, M. (2013) Digital Dilemmas, Oxford University Press.
Mair, J. (2013) After Leveson? The Future of British Journalism, Arima Publishers.
Mair, J., Tait, R., Keeble, R. (2014) Is the BBC in Crisis? Abramis Publishers.
Ofcom Programme Codes: radio & television
A full reading list can be found in the module handbook.

Library and online resources
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook

1. IDENTIFY THE REGULATORY AND INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS AND THE EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES THAT DETERMINE THE STYLE AND CONTENT OF THE RADIO AND TELEVISION INDUSTRIES' PRODUCTS IN THE DIGITAL AGE.
[Knowledge and Understanding]

2. IDENTIFY HOW THESE KEY INSTITUTIONAL AND REGULATORY FACTORS CONSTRAIN THE CREATION OF MEDIA PRODUCTS AND CRITCALLY DEBATE THEIR JUSTIFICATION AND MAIN IMPLICATIONS FOR AUDIENCES.
[Analysis]

3. APPLY EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC REGULATIONS AND LAWS TO EVERYDAY BROADCAST SITUATIONS IN THE UK.
[Application]

4. DEMONSTRATE A BROAD CRITICAL AWARENESS OF PROGRAMME MAKERS' RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO TYPICAL CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH DECISIONS ARE AFFECTED BY LEGAL, REGULATORY AND INSTITUTIONAL CONSTRAINTS IN THE UK.
[Practical and Professional]

5. IDENTIFY CHANGES IN REGULATIONS AND CRITICALLY DEMONSTRATE PRACTICAL AND IMMEDIATE BROADCASTING SOLUTIONS WHERE REQUIRED.
[Problem Solving]

6. APPLY DIFFERING METHODS OF RESEARCH TO IDENTIFY COMPLIENCE VARIATIONS BETWEEN MEDIA PLATFORMS AND THEIR DELIVERY.
[Enquiry]