Concerned about something you have seen, or experienced, in the media?
The regulatory landscape in the UK is fractured and complex, with three key complaints bodies and plenty of outlets which aren’t in any of them.
Broadcast Media and Ofcom
All broadcast media is licenced by Ofcom - and regulated by them. This means that if the outlet you are concerned about is a TV or radio channel broadcasting in the UK, then you can go to Ofcom with any complaint. Ofcom can (and does) initiate strong sanctions for breaches of the broadcasting code, including fines, and can revoke outlets' licence to broadcast in extreme cases.
Online News and Websites
Ofcom doesn't regulate licence-holders' websites. For example, if you read a story on Sky News' website and spot an inaccuracy, you can't complain to Ofcom. Instead, you should write to Sky News directly. The only exception to this is the BBC's website. Although you should still complain to the BBC first about anything wrong on its website, if you aren't satisfied with its response you can then go to Ofcom.
IPSO Regulated Press
Things get even more complicated with the press. Most of the national newspapers are in IPSO, except for The Guardian, The Independent and The Financial Times. To complain to IPSO, you must first complain to the newspaper. If, after 30 days your complaint hasn't been resolved, you can then take your complaint to IPSO.
IMPRESS Regulated Media
Many other outlets are in IMPRESS. Unlike IPSO, IMPRESS is a "recognised" regulator. This is a regulator which is approved as independent and effective under a process brought in after the Leveson Inquiry. Most IMPRESS-members are online-only outlets. To complain about an IMPRESS member, you must complain to the publisher. If, after 21 days your complaint hasn't been resolved, you can then take your complaint to IMPRESS.
Independent Publishers
For all other publishers, you are at the mercy of their own, in-house processes. The Financial Times has a "Complaints Commissioner" and The Guardian has a Readers' Editor.
DID YOU FIND THIS HELPFUL?
For anything else, send us an email via info@pressjusticeproject.org
