Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 05/03/2026
Subject: Media Studies
Lesson Topic: Media regulation
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the three core purposes of media regulation (public protection, fairness, democratic values).
  • Distinguish statutory, self‑, co‑ and market regulation and identify key regulatory bodies in the UK and internationally.
  • Analyse how regulation influences each stage of media production and distribution.
  • Evaluate arguments for and against media regulation using real‑world case studies.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • PowerPoint slides on regulation types and bodies
  • Handout with regulatory‑body table and case‑study summaries
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Internet access for video clips of Ofcom/FCC rulings
  • Worksheets for the regulation‑audit activity
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “Which media content have you ever had to edit because of rules?” Connect this to students’ experience of content guidelines and set the success criteria – identify regulation types, explain their impact on media practice, and critique their necessity.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Short quiz on content students think should be regulated.
  2. Mini‑lecture (15’) – Why regulate media; overview of statutory, self‑, co‑ and market regulation with UK/US examples.
  3. Case‑study stations (20’) – Groups rotate through three stations (Ofcom Bake Off, FCC indecency, EU AVMSD VOD) and answer guided questions.
  4. Regulation audit activity (15’) – Groups select a recent TV programme, apply a broadcasting‑code checklist, and propose necessary edits.
  5. Structured debate (15’) – “Should the internet be regulated like broadcast television?” with assigned roles (regulators, producers, audience).
  6. Summary & check for understanding (5’) – Whole‑class recap and exit‑ticket on Padlet.
Conclusion:
Recap the core purposes and types of regulation and how they shape media practice. Students post one key takeaway on the exit ticket, and for homework they write a brief reflection on a recent news article about a media regulation decision.