Broadcast Complaints

Good Community Access media by its very nature is challenging - that's part of Free FM's role in the media, representing the diverse views of the local Hamilton and Waikato community. At times these views may either intentionally or unintentionally offend a listener.

If you have heard something on Free FM that you wish to complain about, we welcome you to do so in either of the following ways.

For an informal complaint or feedback to the station, use our Feedback Form. If you include a return email address, your complaint will be responded to.

For a formal complaint there is a clearly defined process that must be followed, which can begin with discussing the issue with the general manager [email phil.grey@freefm.org.nz ].
Formal complaints must adhere to guidelines specified by the Broadcasting Standards Authority [BSA].

These include;
o    Being in writing to the broadcaster. In this case, Free FM general manager [ email phil.grey@freefm.org.nz ]
o    within 20 working days of the broadcast being complained about
o    stating the radio programme being complained about, including the day and time of broadcast
o    outlining what specific content is being complained about
o    identifying the broadcast standard the complainant believes has been breached. These are available from the BSA website.

Privacy complaints and election programme complaints may be made directly to the BSA.

This is laid down by the BSA. The instructions for laying a formal complaint are listed on the BSA website in several languages.