From April 2003, new age ratings and symbols on computer and video games will indicate to parents, shoppers and online consumers whether they are suitable for a specific age group. A pan-European system will replace the current voluntary age rating procedure in the United Kingdom.
Source: The Observer, 29.12.02
Links: Observer report
Date: 2002-Dec
A Bill to establish a new regulatory framework for the media and communications industries had its second reading.
Source: Communications Bill 2002, Department of Trade and Industry, TSO (0870 600 5522) | House of Commons Hansard, Debate 3.12.02, columns 782-865, TSO
Links: Text of Bill | Hansard
Date: 2002-Dec
A study found that participants from minority ethnic groups agree the level of representation of ethnic minorities has increased within mainstream broadcasting over recent years: but they still see the need for greater representation, both of their own communities and other minority groups.
Source: Andrea Millwood Hargrave, Multicultural Broadcasting: Concept and Reality, Broadcasting Standards Commission (020 7808 1000), British Broadcasting Corporation, Independent Television Commission, and Radio Authority
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2002-Nov
The government set out its final plans for a new regulatory framework for the media and communications industries, including a single, unified regulator (the Office of Communications).
Source: Communications Bill 2002, Department of Trade and Industry, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Text of Bill | Press release | Commons/Lords report on draft Bill
Date: 2002-Nov
Research found that, while television 'soap operas' raise major issues that affect parents and children, the way they portray families bears little relation to real life.
Source: Soaps and the Family, National Family and Parenting Institute (020 7424 3460)
Links: Summary of conclusions (rtf file) | Press release
Date: 2002-Oct
The government said it accepted a large majority of recommendations from a joint committee of MPs and peers on the draft Communications Bill (the 'Putnam report').
Source: Government s Response to the Report of the Joint Committee on the Draft Communications Bill, Cm 5646, Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Culture, Media and Sport, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Response (pdf) | Press release | Putnam report
Date: 2002-Oct
The government approved a new BBC3 channel (a digital channel aimed at people aged 25-34), subject to conditions designed to ensure that it is 'genuinely distinctive, genuinely public service and genuinely innovative.'
Source: Press release 17.9.02, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (020 7211 6200)
Links: Press release
Date: 2002-Sep
Researchers found that the increase in the quantity of children s programming on television is largely made up of repeats and imports.
Source: Jamie Cowling and Kirsty Lee, They have been Watching - Children s TV 1952-2002, Institute for Public Policy Research, available from Central Books (0845 458 9911)
Links: Press release
Date: 2002-Sep
A joint report from a committee of MPs and peers criticised powers given to Ministers under the draft Communications Bill, which would establish a new single regulator for the electronic communications sector (the Office of Communications - OFCOM). The government was also reportedly warned by the Information Commissioner that proposed powers for the police and intelligence agencies to seize telephone and internet records may be unlawful.
Source: Draft Communications Bill, Report (Session 2001-02), HC 876-I and HL 169-I, Joint Committee on Draft Communications Bill, TSO (0870 600 5522) | The Guardian, 31.7.02
Links: Report | Guardian report
Date: 2002-Jul
Complaints about broadcasting standards ( taste and decency ) increased by 46 per cent, from 4,920 in 2000-01 to 7,183 in 2001-02.
Source: Annual Review 2002, Broadcasting Standards Commission (020 7808 1000)
Links: Links removed
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 30/3, Digest 119, paragraph 8.1
Date: 2002-Jul
A think-tank report examined the utility of current impartiality regulation in broadcast news, and how best 'due impartiality' can be applied to the digital future.
Source: Damian Tambini and Jamie Cowling (eds.), New News: Impartial Broadcasting in the Digital Age, Institute for Public Policy Research, available from Central Books (0845 458 9911)
Links: Summary
Date: 2002-Jul