Complaints about content made available on video-on-demand (VOD) services account for less than three per cent of complaints. Since 2023, members of the public have had the ability to complain about VOD services such as the RTÉ Player, the TG4 Player (Seinnteoir TG4), Apple TV+ and the Virgin Media Player.

Over three quarters of the complaints made by members of the public related to news and current affairs content. Among the common concerns raised were a failure to adhere to the Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality, citing a ‘lack of balance’, ‘bias’ and ‘inaccuracy’.

Key stats from the Complaints Insights Report show that since the establishment of Coimisiún na Meán in March 2023, over half of complaints (56 per cent) relate to radio programmes. Just over 41 per cent of the complaints received related to television content, while only 2.6 per cent of the complaints were about content on a VOD service. 

The report highlights that content about global affairs (26 per cent) and Irish politics and government (18 per cent) attracted the most complaints.

Coimisiún na Meán is also reminding members of the public that they have a right to complain about access services. Audiences are empowered to make a complaint to a television broadcaster if they believe it has failed to meet its obligations under the Access Rules. This could include the provision of programming with subtitling, Irish Sign Language and/or Audio Description.

Broadcasting and video-on-demand commissioner, Aoife MacEvilly, said: “Our public complaint handling process for broadcasters and video-on-demand media service providers supports Coimisiún na Meán’s mission to regulate, support and develop a media landscape that underpins fundamental rights, balancing freedom of expression and the editorial independence of media service providers with protecting the interests of the audience, particularly children.

“It is really important for people to know that they can complain to us about something they see on a video-on-demand service that we regulate, as well as about content on radio and TV broadcasts.” 

“Our report informs the public about the volume and types of complaints Coimisiún na Meán has accepted. It aims to support better understanding of our approach to complaint handling and how we decide on complaints. It highlights the important role of the complaints mechanism in holding broadcasters and VOD services to account, which underpins trust in Irish media.”