Censorship and the Functions of Media Classification Systems
Essay
“Unlike censorship systems the film classification system is ever changing, negotiation of the meaning and significance of youth, Discuss the functions of Media Classification Systems.”
The concept of Media Classification Systems is a relatively new one in society and only emerged as advancements in technology created new ways for the public to enjoy performance. Historically there were laws defining what could and couldn’t be contained within a live performance, the traditional culture of public entertainment, however the advent of radio, film, recorded sound, television and eventually video, video gaming, DVDs and the internet, presented an entirely new set of challenges to those in charge of Media Classification Systems. Past censorship of books and other publications was a relatively simple matter however the broadening definition of entertainment and the massive social upheavals occurring during the birth of the broadcast industry meant that societies and their governing censorship bodies had to scramble to keep pace with not only moral and religious regulations but also the exposure to the broader public of these new forms of media. Previously, the banning or restricted availability of books or publications affected only a small percentage of the population who were literate and could afford such luxuries however the “mass appeal” of radio and films meant that, as class barriers were broken down and standards of living increased, censorship and classification applied to the entire populace.
Censorship and classification differ in the following ways; censorship is defined as “the practice of officially examining books, movies, etc., and suppressing unacceptable parts” [1] whereas Media Classification Systems in Australia define themselves on their website as “The Classification Board is a statutory body which makes classification decisions for films, computer games and certain publications. The Classification Board is a full-time Board
“Unlike censorship systems the film classification system is ever changing, negotiation of the meaning and significance of youth, Discuss the functions of Media Classification Systems.”
The concept of Media Classification Systems is a relatively new one in society and only emerged as advancements in technology created new ways for the public to enjoy performance. Historically there were laws defining what could and couldn’t be contained within a live performance, the traditional culture of public entertainment, however the advent of radio, film, recorded sound, television and eventually video, video gaming, DVDs and the internet, presented an entirely new set of challenges to those in charge of Media Classification Systems. Past censorship of books and other publications was a relatively simple matter however the broadening definition of entertainment and the massive social upheavals occurring during the birth of the broadcast industry meant that societies and their governing censorship bodies had to scramble to keep pace with not only moral and religious regulations but also the exposure to the broader public of these new forms of media. Previously, the banning or restricted availability of books or publications affected only a small percentage of the population who were literate and could afford such luxuries however the “mass appeal” of radio and films meant that, as class barriers were broken down and standards of living increased, censorship and classification applied to the entire populace.
Censorship and classification differ in the following ways; censorship is defined as “the practice of officially examining books, movies, etc., and suppressing unacceptable parts” [1] whereas Media Classification Systems in Australia define themselves on their website as “The Classification Board is a statutory body which makes classification decisions for films, computer games and certain publications. The Classification Board is a full-time Board