To file a complaint against a news channel (news broadcaster, news agency, digital channels, or television journalism) to the News Broadcasters & Digital Standard Authority (NBDSA), regarding the violation of ethics & practices, and regulatory norms, you can follow these steps and use the provided contact details:
Step 1: Complain to News Channel
First, you have to contact the news channel to file your complaint about the broadcasted content or news. For this, you can use their official website, email, or contact numbers provided for complaining to the Compliance or Grievance Officers of the broadcasting company.
Within your complaint, must provide:
- Date and Time of Broadcast
- Name of the Program or News Segment: Which the content appeared. If you don’t know the name, provide a brief description.
- Description of the Content
- Reason for Your Complaint: For example:
- Does the content contain factual inaccuracies or misleading information?
- Is the content biased or unfair in its presentation?
- Does the content contain offensive language, images, or discriminatory material?
- Does the content violate someone’s privacy?
- Does the content damage someone’s reputation?
- Desired Resolution: You would like the news channel to do so in response to your complaint. For example, do you want a retraction, an apology, or an explanation?
- Supporting Documentation: If possible, such as screenshots, recordings, or links to relevant articles.
After submitting your complaint, don’t forget to obtain the reference number of the case.
Step 2: File a complaint to NBDSA
If your complaints are unresolved or dissatisfied with the final response of the news broadcaster, escalate it to NBDSA by filing an online complaint or writing a complaint letter to the authority within 14 days of the broadcaster’s response. Within your grievance, you have to provide:
- A copy of the complaint letter was sent to the broadcaster and a reply was received (if any).
- Name, address, and details of the news broadcaster.
- Details of the news items/programme, and specify the date, time, and channel of broadcast.
- Summary of the matter or issue along with the precept of the code of ethics that was breached. Read the booklet “Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards, NBDA” and know the regulations.
- All other relevant evidence (video, image, or posts) and documents related to the matter/case.
Steps to file an online complaint:
- Visit NBDSA’s official website (nbdanewdelhi.com).
- Click “Online Complaint Form” to open the online form. You can also download the form by clicking the “Hindi Version” or “English Version” option.
- Fill out the required details as mentioned above.
- Submit the form.
Finally, note down the case number or reference ID to track the status of your grievance. You can also send your written complaint letter by post at:
- Phone No: +911204129712
- Email: authority@nbanewdelhi.com
- Address: News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority, [Formerly known as News Broadcasting Standards Authority], Mantec House, C-56/5, 2nd Floor, Sector 62, Noida – 201301.
Await the final decision from NBDSA, which will be delivered within 3 months.
Note: If not satisfied with the final decision of NBDSA, you may escalate the matter or lodge an online grievance on the CPGRAMS portal to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India.
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