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  2. Press Councils Database
  3. Complaint Process
  4. Preparing to make a complaint

Preparing to make a complaint

YesNoUnanswered
%68.42%23.68%7.89%
#2693

Additional Information, if "Yes"

  • Austria
    However, when complainants want a comment on social media deleted, they are referred to the media first
  • Denmark
    Except for regional stations of DR, TV 2 of TV 2; or, if it's about de-indexation, anonymization, or request for removal. In these cases, the complainant should contact the respective media outlet.
  • Finland
    However, not always – if the complaint concerns an error, the complainant is required to get in touch with the media outlet first
  • Hungary
    The complainant does not have to contact the media outlet first, but it is recommended that they do
  • Slovenia
    The complainant does not have to contact the media outlet first, but it is recommended that they do

Additional Information, if "No"

  • Albania
    A complainant is required to contact the editor or journalist first
  • Ireland
    E-mail or letter to editor first. If no response or unsatisfied with response, complaint process can be continued
  • Slovakia
    Acomplainant is required to contact the editor or journalist first
YesNoUnanswered
%94.74%2.63%2.63%
#3611
YesNoUnanswered
%92.11%2.63%5.26%
#3512
YesNoUnanswered
%18.42%76.32%5.26%
#7292
YesNoUnanswered
%10.53%84.21%5.26%
#4322
YesNoUnanswered
%71.05%23.68%5.26%
#2792
YesNoUnanswered
%7.89%86.84%5.26%
#3332
YesNoUnanswered
%44.74%52.63%2.63%
#17201

Additional Information, if "Yes"

  • Iceland
    Matter must involve complainant in a concrete manner.
  • Ireland
    Complainant named in an article or can demonstrate how they have been personally affected by what was published
  • Serbia
    One has to be directly involved in the coverage
  • Spain - Catalonia
    The complainant can submit a complaint about any point of the Code of Ethics even if it does not directly affect him
  • Sweden
    Personally affected by harm, and personally identified, by name/mage or by other details.
  • United Kingdom (IPSO)
    All editorial content is covered by the rules of the Editors' Code. However, the position of the first party is considered paramount when making complaints about any Code clause other than Clause 1 (Accuracy).

Additional Information, if "No"

  • Finland
    It must be complainant (or the authorizer) whose privacy is violated, who has been mistreated in the interviewing process or who has been a subject of negative publicity but has not been granted a right to reply.

CouncilTime restriction
Albania2 months
Armenia3 months
Austria6 months
Azerbaijan3 months
Belgium (Flanders)2 months
Belgium (Wallonia)2 months
Bosnia and Herzegovina1 month for daily newspapers, 2 months for weekly publications, no time restriction for online media
Bulgaria2 months
Canada1 month
Croatia6 months
Cyprus2 months
Denmark12 weeks
Estonia3 months
Finland3 months
France3 months
Georgia1 month for non-member, 3 months for member journalists
Germany12 months
HungaryNo time restrictions
Iceland2 months
Ireland3 months
Kazakhstan2 weeks
Kosovo1 month
Lithuania12 months
LuxembourgReasonable delay
North Macedonia1 month
Norway6 months
Poland
Québec (Canada)3 months
Serbia3 months (unlimited for online)
Slovakia3 months
Slovenia1 month
Spain - Catalonia2 months
Sweden3 months
Switzerland3 months
The Netherlands6 months
Turkey2 months
United Kingdom (Impress)4 months
United Kingdom (IPSO)4 months print/1 year online
YesNoUnanswered
%7.89%89.47%2.63%
#3341

Additional Information, if "Yes"

  • Austria
    Anonymous complaints are not always accepted – the Senate decides on a case-by-case basis
  • Georgia
    Certain cases
YesNoUnanswered
%60.53%36.84%2.63%
#23141
YesUnanswered
%94.74%5.26%
#362
YesNoUnanswered
%78.95%18.42%2.63%
#3071
YesNoUnanswered
%68.42%26.32%5.26%
#26102

Additional Information, if "Yes"

  • Albania
    The Council uses their informal contacts with colleague working for media outlets to try and find a solution
  • Armenia
    Through direct or mediated communication between the complainant and the media
  • Austria
    The Senate can start an Ombudsman procedure before deciding on the case
  • Azerbaijan
    We are looking for solutions by inviting the parties to the Council
  • Belgium (Flanders)
    Ombudsman or one of the parties may suggest a solution to resolve the matter without a decision from the Council
  • Belgium (Wallonia)
    Parties are asked about whether they would like to make use of the possibility for mediation; Press Council will then talk to the other party
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
    There is an obligatory mediation procedure, in which the council tries to find a solution between the parties, such as a retraction or correction
  • Bulgaria
    Because of a lack of resources and capacity, the Council does not mediate by default, but the possibility is always (as stipulated in the bylaws) suggested to the complainant
  • Canada
    This is part of our complaints-handling process
  • Estonia
    If the secretary sees a possibility of a compromise between the parties, they propose this to complainant and media

Additional Information, if "No"

  • Denmark
    At least not formally – there might be informal mediation to see if a solution can be reached before adjudication
  • Germany
    No
YesNoUnanswered
%15.79%81.58%2.63%
#6311
YesNoUnanswered
%39.47%57.89%2.63%
#15221
#PressCouncilsEU