In 2011 there was a government report concerning censorship within internet broadcasting.It was commissioned by the Prime Minister David Cameron and says that music videos should come with age ratings to protect children from overt sexual images and lyrics as children of all ages can access sites such as Youtube. The BPI recently announced plans to extend its plans, which resulted in stickers being put on CDs which contain strong language or adult themes. This also came with warnings on sites like Youtube and ITunes.
Youtube have their own guidelines as to what people can post. Anyone can post any sort of video on the site, however, within a few seconds it may get flagged as inappropriate and immediate action is taken. On their community guidelines page they give this quote- 'We're not asking for the kind of respect reserved for nuns, the elderly and brain surgeons. We mean don't abuse the site. Every cool new community feature on YouTube involves a certain level of trust. We trust you to be responsible and millions of users respect that trust, so please be one of them.'
However, artists try to be as extreme as possible to create popular videos whilst trying to fit within the guidelines. A recent story to hit the headlines concerns Miley Cyrus, the former innocent Disney star that has been creating raunchy content, songs and performances. Her performance at the VMA caused massive uproar as she was seen 'twerking' suggestively on fellow star Robin Thicke.
Her latest video for her song 'Wreking Ball' has also disrupted the music industry as she is naked throughout the video. No personal parts can be seen, however, the public has condemned her saying that it is 'not necessary'. During the video she also licks a hammer suggestively. Some fans take an opposing view to the masses. Stars such as Rhianna have been naked in videos and have also made suggestive videos such as S&M which was blocked by Youtube as it was seen as too raunchy for the site.
Here is the video for wrecking ball:
This article is taken from Perez Hiltons website in which he comments on recent news within the pop world:
The former Disney Channel star will be joining the likes of Pink, Kelly Clarkson, and Chris Brown on the label, so we'd say her career is in some pretty talented and trustworthy hands.
Under the direction of RCA, the former Disney Channel star's next album will feature a slew of star-studded collaborators including Pharrell Williams, Hit-Boy, Da Internz, Mary J. Blige and Tyler, the Creator.'
It could be argued that a change in record label that had other motives for putting her on their books caused Mileys fame due to sexualisation. Before this move she was pretty much still the innocent Disney star making country music.
BPI feature parental guidelines on their site. Record labels must fit the following criteria to be able to apply the logo.
It is recommended that record labels apply the logo where the lyrics or content of a recording or music video that is commercially released contain:
- strong or coarse language
- depictions of or references to violence/physical/mental abuse/references to sexualised behaviour/racist/homophobic/misogynistic/other discriminatory language or behaviour
-dangerous or criminal behaviour (including references to or images of illegal drug use and/or the misuse of alcohol, tobacco and/or other substances) depicted in such a way that glamorises such behaviour or that may encourage imitation and which may be considered by a significant number of consumers to be offensive or unsuitable for children
They advise that the logo must be added to all packaging relating to media that includes this content. It must feature on ITunes logos or on any other sites on which the music can be purchased. The companies must research and consider the Considering the video recordings act 1984.
Most music that can be purchased on ITunes and on CD's feature the logo nowadays. It seems that record companies try to push the boundaries of these rules to gain as much popularity or knowledge of their artist as possible. My research on Miley Cyrus proves this.
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