Any viewer or listener can refer a complaint to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland or directly to the relevant broadcaster if they are not happy about broadcasting content on an Irish broadcasting service under any of the following categories;

• objectivity & impartiality in news
• fairness, objectivity & impartiality in current affairs
• anything which may reasonably be regarded as causing harm or offence , or anything being likely to promote, or incite to, crime, or as tending to undermine the authority of the State
• privacy of an individual
• harmful or offensive material, in particular, programme material in respect of the portrayal of violence and sexual conduct shall be presented with due sensitivity to the convictions or feelings of the audience and with due regard to the impact of such programming on the physical, mental or moral development of children
• Code of Programme Standards
• General Advertising Code
• Children's Advertising Code
  
  

How to make a complaint

All complaints must

• be in writing, preferably by completing the relevant ‘Complaint Form’ for programmes or advertisements/commercial communications
• be made no later than 30 days after the date of the broadcast
• relate to a broadcast by an Irish broadcasting service
• come within the relevant broadcasting codes and/or legislation
• include a short summary of what concerned you

All complaints considered by the Authority are made publicly available, including the name of the complainant. However, in the event that a complainant has valid concerns relating to privacy issues in making a complaint, in particular under Section 48(1)(c)(Privacy of an Individual), the Authority may consider requests from the complainant for anonymity.

For further information and/or assistance, contact of the Authority's staff by e-mail, complaints@bai.ie, or phone 01 6441280.