Outraged by something you’ve seen on television? Right now, if you want to make an official complaint to the station, it needs to be by snailmail, but that could change in the near future.
Amanda Meade at the Australian reports that proposed changes to the TV Code of Practice which binds commercial stations could see email complaints allowed. As Meade notes, “it is expected that, once viewers can send an email to their local TV channel, the volume of complaints will rise significantly”. Indeed, one potential downside might be organised electronic complaints by pressure groups. Such campaigns were a significant factor in some overseas TV “scandals” such as Janet Jackson’s nipple exposure at Superbowl in the US and the Celebrity Big Brother racism row in the UK.
Is it time for local TV codes of practice to reflect the electronic communications reality, or is being forced to send a letter a better way of ensuring that complaints aren’t frivolous? Give your view in the comments.
effdee
Monday, August 31, 2009 at 4:30 PMAbout time!
Dan
Monday, August 31, 2009 at 4:30 PM….about time!
astrogirl
Monday, August 31, 2009 at 5:10 PMI think email might make it easier for pressure groups, but if they are going to complain they will do it regardless.
I would probably be more likely to email as I’m hopeless with mailing actual letters, but I am mostly of the opinion that “if I don’t like it, I know where my off switch is” and wish more people would share in that.
Kieran Vella
Monday, August 31, 2009 at 11:01 PMDon’t make it easier for tools who don’t know how to switch the tv off, look away or learn to disassociate when they feel offended, the world is going south too quickly as it is without precious people complaining about objectionable stuff on TV.
Kato
Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 12:29 PMI see the television industry is being brought kicking and screaming into the 1990′s.
I never have any complaints for Channel BitTorrent though.
sam barsby
Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 11:40 AMso it will be december soon and i still have to rely on snail mail to complain,,,,, frustrated………………..to say the least……..
tv is making alot of people depressed and unfulfilled with its current hysteria approach.
not a happy customer
please be more aware!
yours sincerely
sam