Complaints about the Media

While the BDA press office does challenge major inaccuracies in the media, it is impossible for us to address all these that end up in print, on air or online.

This is where the BDA membership, and indeed the wider public, can get involved.  Here are a few tips.

Journalists

We really value and respect the work undertaken by the journalistic community and we rarely come across a journalist who does not want to produce a credible and accurate story/article. So in the first instance, we advise you contact journalists directly if you have a concern about something that has been written or broadcast to try and resolve the issue. 

If you need to escalate an issue further, here are some options:

Written Media

The Press Complaints Commission covers all articles and pictures in UK newspapers and magazines, including their associated websites, as well as readers' letters. 

They also deal with the physical behaviour of journalists. This includes:

  • persistent pursuit of individuals.
  • refusing requests to stop taking photos or asking questions.
  • using hidden cameras to obtain material.
  • failing to obtain the proper consent before speaking to children or people in hospital.

Broadcast Media

Ofcom

Ofcom covers all editorially-controlled material on UK television and radio channels (not including BBC channels) and includes:

  • TV/radio programme you have seen and/or heard.
  • TV /radio programmes you have appeared on or been referred to.
  • TV/radio programmes that are accessible ‘on demand’ services.
  • Sponsorship of TV/radio programmes.
  • Products placements on TV/radio programmes.
  • Issues around subtitling.

BBC

For issues addressed above that cover BBC media outlets, you will need to contact the BBC Complaints department directly.

Advertising

The Advertising Standards Authority is the regulator for the advertising industry and covers complaints about:

  • Press ads
  • Radio and TV ads (including teleshopping presentations)
  • Ads on the internet, smartphones and tablets
  • Ad claims on companies’ own websites
  • Commercial e-mail and text messages
  • Posters/billboards
  • Leaflets and brochures
  • Ads at the cinema
  • Direct mail, whether addressed to you personally or not

If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact the BDA press office.

BDA media hotline: