Media
(see also Advertising)
Where to complain about -
Broadcasting:
Primary responsibility for handling complaints about programs on television and radio (public and commercial) rests with the station itself. Codes of practice have been developed in commercial television and radio (commercial and community). These codes of practice are available from the following:
Commercial Television:
Free TV Australia (formerly cTva)
44 Avenue Road, Mosman NSW 2088
Telephone: (02) 8968 7100
The code for commercial television covers program classifications, promotions, accuracy and fairness in news and current affairs, advertising time, classification and placement.
Commercial Radio:
Commercial Radio Australia
Level 5, 88 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Telephone: (02) 9281 6577
The code for commercial radio covers news, current affairs, advertising, talk-back, discriminatory broadcasts, offensive language and Australian music.
Community Radio:
Community Broadcasting Association of Australia
PO Box 564, Alexandria NSW 2015
Telephone: (02) 9310 2999
Email: office@cbaa.org.au
Web: www.cbaa.org.au
The code for community radio covers the same areas as above, also sponsorship, volunteers and conflict resolution.
Public Radio and Television:
Complaints about the content of radio and television programs on ABC and SBS channels and frequencies should also be directed to the station involved (see White Pages). The ABC and SBS also have codes of practice and these are available from the broadcasters and on their respective websites.
If any station fails to answer your complaint within 60 days or if you are unhappy with the answer contact:
Australian Broadcasting Authority
Level 15, Darling Park, 201 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000
PO Box Q500, Queen Victoria Building, Sydney NSW 1230
Telephone: (02) 9334 7700
TTY: (02) 9334 7777
Freecall: 1800 226 667
Web: www.aba.gov.au
The Australian Broadcasting Authority also deals directly with complaints relating to the standards for children’s television and Australian content on commercial television.
Newspapers and Magazines:
If you have a complaint about a newspaper article or the conduct of a newspaper or periodical you should contact:
Australian Press Council
Level 10, 117 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Freecall: 1800 025 712
Telephone: (02) 9261 1930
Email: info@presscouncil.org.au
Complaints must be lodged within three months of publication. You might be asked to sign a document saying you will not sue the publication before they will investigate the matter. Get advice before you sign.
Journalists:
AJA Judiciary Committee Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance
245 Chalmers Street, Redfern NSW 2016
Telephone: (02) 9333 0999
Web: www.alliance.org.au
