Whether a publication has misrepresented you, disrespected your privacy, or printed something untruthful about you, you can follow the guidelines below to make a complaint.
There are procedures in place that can help you make a complaint against a publication, broadcast, journalist, or reporter.
Print media
The Office of the Press Ombudsman (OPO) can assist prisoners through the complaints process when there is an alleged breach of the Code of Practice of the Press Council. These Codes direct member publications to: respect privacy and family life; strive for truth and accuracy; not publish rumour as if it were fact; and much more.
These Codes apply to all member publications of the Press Council: daily and Sunday newspapers published in the Republic of Ireland; most local papers; many magazines; online news publications; and digital outlets of member publications.
You, or somebody you have nominated to act on your behalf, must first complain in writing to the editor of the publication. If, within two weeks from the date of your complaint to the editor, you do not receive a reply, or you are not satisfied with the reply you have received, you can then complain in writing to the Office of the Press Ombudsman.
You can write to The Office of the Press Ombudsman, 3 Westland Square, Pearse Street, Dublin D02 N567, call 01 6489130 or email info@pressombudsman.ie.
The OPO site has a section dedicated to the complaints process for prisoners. The information is also available in a print-ready PDF format here.
Television or radio
As of March 2023, Coimisiún na Meán (Ireland's media commission) now carry out the regulatory functions previously carried out by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI). The BAI still has guidelines for making a complaint and samples of published complaints available online.
Broadcast complaints must be in writing and should generally be made to the broadcaster in the first instance. Contact information for broadcasters can be found here.
Typically complaints must be made no more than 30 days after the date of the broadcast.
For further information, see the Coimisiún na Meán website, email complaints@cnam.ie or call (01) 6441 200.
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In both instances, there is a time limit for you to submit your complaint. However, if you believe that you might struggle to comply with this time limit, you can nominate someone to make a complaint on your behalf.
For further information, visit the OPO and Coimisiún na Meán websites.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.