Media watchdogs
Your great creative idea can fall flat if someone complains about it. What's highly original to you may be offensive to someone else. Here are the organisations that can help you make sure that 'it's all in the best possible taste...'
ASA The Advertising Standards Authority regulates adverts in non-broadcast media, including cinema, new media, press and posters. The ASA website helps you make sense of what you can and can't do.
BBFC The British Board of Film Classification's site contains details of the certification system for film, video and digital media. It also explains the history of the BBFC and its role, there is a searchable database which allows you to find out the classification of a piece of work, and the latest releases are listed along with the certification they have been given and the reasons for it.
CAP The Committee of Advertising Practice is the industry body that writes and enforces the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing. CAP works alongside the Advertising Standards Authority, the independent body responsible for administering the Code. The CAP website gives free, straightforward advice on how to make sure ads and promotions meet the Code. If you work in the advertising industry the site is invaluable, with advice that could save an ad or campaign from breaching the Code and having to be pulled.
Ofcom The Office of Communications is the independent regulator for the UK communications industries, applying broadcasting codes of practice across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services.
