Broadcasting Regulators To Team Up In Complaints Handling

The Broadcasting Standards Commission (BSC) and the Radio Authority aim to co-operate more effectively in handling complaints in the future. A memorandum of understanding has been drawn up between the two regulatory bodies which aims to avoid double jeopardy for complainants and licensees and promote the sharing of information.

The new arrangement will see complaints dealt with by whichever body first receives them. However, both bodies will be made aware of all complaints and potential outcomes and each body will take formal account of the other’s adjudication in its decisions.

The exceptions to this will be complaints about fairness and privacy which will continue to be dealt with by the BSC, while matters relating to standards which have licensing implications will still be dealt with by the Radio Authority.

“In advance of any new Communications legislation, this arrangement aims to eliminate duplication of work and will avoid overlapping activity that can confuse both listeners and licensees.” said Richard Hooper, chair of the Radio Authority.

“It will provide those wishing to complain with a clearer route to do so, and gives listeners and radio companies confidence that they will get consistent judgements about standards.” agreed Lord Holme of Cheltenham, chairman of the BSC.

It is thought that the new way of working will prove more cost-effective. The two regulators also plan to build on their existing joint consultation on taste and decency issues in commercial radio programmes by undertaking audience research projects on standard issues in radio and issues of audience expectation.

Broadcasting Standards Commission: 020 7630 1966 Radio Authority: 020 7430 2724