Regulating For Changing Values

The new Broadcaster Standards Commission has published its first research report. The study looks at public attitudes to media regulation in a changing social climate. It was undertaken by the Commission as part of a wider consultation on its new role combining standards and fairness.

In general, the respondents aspired to tolerance but supported management of the culture through regulation. Three out of four responses were concerned with the common rather than the individual good.

Looking at the effect of the media, the industry was thought to have an increasing influence, particularly on children, but was not seen as the primary cause of violence in society. Unemployment and personal background were thought to have more influence.

Lady Howe, chairman of the Commission said: “This study provides a striking picture of Britain today. A public that respects tolerance but wants to protect its own values. A media that is perceived to have increasing influence but which some think may have its own agenda. A society where people have a right to privacy but may forfeit that right.”

The Broadcasting Standards Commission: 0171 233 0544