Regulating Bodies

The regulating bodies for the use of music video's and what can and can't be broadcast are Ofcom.
Ofcom is the communications regulator, they TV and radio sectors, fixed line telecoms and mobiles.


The main set of guidlines that Ofcom set are:


Protecting the under 18's Guidance:
which basically states that the most concentrated age in the media is concern of the 10-14 year olds.
"Viewers and listeners make a distinction between channels which appeal to a wide-ranging audience, including children, and those that attract a smaller, niche audience, unlikely to appeal to children. Although broadcasters of these niche channels still carry a responsibility towards a potential child audience, the majority of homes do not contain children and viewers and listeners have a right to expect a range of subject matter."


Watershed:
Audience research showed that there is strong recognition for the watershed to be in place.
"The watershed plays a crucial role for parents and carers with children aged 5 to 8 and trust in pre-watershed programming is essential, particularly leading up to 1930. It is also important that the content of pre watershed trails is appropriate for the time of broadcast."


Drugs, Smoking, Solvents & Alcohol Abuse:
"Programme makers should always consider the impact that the representation of the use of illegal drugs, the abuse of drugs, smoking, solvent abuse and the misuse of alcohol, may have on younger viewers and listeners."
Any use of the following before the watershed should be severly justified. 
Ofcom would not wish it to be a reccurent theme in certain television programs as it would not liked to be seen as glamourised or enourageful. 
"However where that occurs e.g. in a movie that pre-dates the understanding that smoking was linked to cancer and other health effects, then the editorial justification for such material must be carefully thought through."


Violence and Dangerous Behaviour:
"Audience research is inconclusive about the direct influence of violence on behaviour, but does highlight how children interpret violence and what reduces its impact and what causes distress."
Research showed that children may emulate what they see on television. 
Children have different stages of development and broadcasters should bear this in mind. Areas of concern include: 
• the use of accessible domestic implements, such as knives, or other offensive weapons, articles or substances portrayed in a dangerous or harmful manner 
• any portrayal of household items, such as micro-waves and tumble-dryers, which can cause harm if misused, 
• certain locations, such as railway lines; 
• certain material which may lead children to fail to recognise potentially dangerous play especially if there is no serious outcome; and 
• hanging or the preparations for hanging, if easily imitable, particularly if shown before the watershed, unless the setting gives strong grounds for believing that imitation is unlikely. 


Offensive Language:
Audience expectations and composition vary between television and radio and each medium has different listening/viewing patterns. Broadcasters should know their audience.
Offensive language is a feature of British life and sometimes has a certain place in broadcasting. However it raises concerns about the harm to children and offence it could cause.
"There is a concern that children may imitate offensive
language or be upset to hear this language, when their parents or carers have told
them it is wrong, before they have worked out their own attitude to its use."
Milder use of language may be acceptable in the earlier parts of the evening if it is used in a humorous way.
"Children enjoy a wide variety of music. However, where lyrics in songs might cause
offence, broadcasters will wish to consider the context which may increase or
mitigate the offence, and the possible use of track remixes and edits."

In relation to my own music video it has brought attention that I am using Eliza who is 17 years old in my video, the video itself does not have any offensive language, behaviour or content in it, it is just a video based around her as the posing artist.
It would be beneficial however to get her permission for the use of her images in writing though, to add a more proffesional basis to the project.