Making a complaint about broadcasting standards
If you have a complaint about the portrayal of violence, sexual conduct or a matter of community standards in a broadcast programme or advertisement it will be considered by the Commission. In reaching a decision, the Commission will take into account its code of guidance and research into public attitudes, alongside the material complained of and its context.
Which broadcasters fall within the Commission’s remit?
All broadcasting services within the UK, including radio and television, cable and terrestrial, text and now the digital services. Every broadcaster and all broadcasting regulators must reflect the Commission’s codes in their own day to day codes and guidelines.
Any viewer or listener can make a complaint about a broadcast programme or advertisement. Complaints can be made in writing or by submitting the Standards complaints form which can be found on this website. It is important to provide all the details listed on the form.
How quickly should a complaint be made?
There is a time limit. Complaints need to be made within 8 weeks of a television broadcast and 3 weeks of a radio broadcast.
How does the Commission assess what is and what is not acceptable?
Standards change over time and are matters of opinion. Therefore, the Commission has an extensive research programme which monitors people’s attitudes to issues within its remit and each year undertakes specific projects into some elements of its work. That research includes meeting members of the general public as well as analysing surveys. It is an essential tool for the Commissioners who have to consider issues which affect 22 million households.
What benefits can an independent Commission provide?
A major benefit is that a single set of guidelines can be provided to all broadcasters and their regulators from which they develop their own codes on the sensitive issue of community standards, fairness and privacy. The Commission ensures that on these matters there is a single course of redress available to all citizens in this country.
What will happen to your complaint?
In the majority of cases the broadcaster will receive a copy of the complaint and be required to supply a recording of the broadcast. The Commission will then view or listen to this recording at its next meeting.
~ It may require the broadcaster to provide a written statement responding to the points you raise.
~ If the Commission agrees with the complaint it will be “upheld”. If it disagrees the complaint will be “not upheld”.
~ A copy of the decision will be sent to you and the broadcaster before its publication in a monthly Bulletin which is distributed to broadcasters, and other media.
This bulletin provides guidance to broadcasters and regulators on what the Commission considers to be acceptable or unacceptable.
The decision is also published on the Commission’s website.
~ In some cases the Commission may also require the broadcaster to publish a summary of its decision on television or radio and/or in a newspaper or magazine.
Your name, address and personal details will not be included in any public information.