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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to ask if anyone has ever had a BBC Complaint upheld?

91 replies

Nachorancho · 09/07/2021 20:46

Just that really and this is really not intended to be a "BBC bashing" thread.

On the odd (less than ten over past six/seven years) occasions I have raised a complaint it has always been dismissed and the reasoning is always the same: "we have acknowledged what you say but we think you are wrong (to paraphrase)"

So my question is has anyone ever made a complaint and the BBC have held their hands up and said "yes I think to are right OP"?

OP posts:
Livingmyobituary · 09/07/2021 20:53

They did the same to me. A Morecombe and Wise full episode shown around Christmas which had caricature irishmen being shown as all being stupid builders and joking about being in the IRA.
It was of its time allegedly.

thinkningaboutit · 09/07/2021 20:54

No experience, that seems quite a few complaints to me in. Is it across news, radio, tv? What would you like to have happen and do you state this when you complain?

ValleyClouds · 09/07/2021 20:59

As a disabled teenager, I complained about the recurring Village Idiot sketch on Noel's House Party, which I found upsetting response was very dismissive.

I also once complained about excessive coverage of Nigel Farage, and bias, again quite dismissive.

Taliskerskye · 09/07/2021 21:00

You’ve complained 10 times in 6-7 years! What the fuck for.
I can’t think of anything that gets me upset on the bbc, that is genuinely worth a complaint. An eye roll maybe.

Theblackdogagain · 09/07/2021 21:03

I once complained about an advert to the asa, got a very generic email in return.

Original poster
Nachorancho · 09/07/2021 21:12

@thinkningaboutit @Nachorancho

A complaint less than once a year is excessive?!

For varying reasons - dismissive attitude to BAME issues, poor reporting, inaccuracies, misogyny, stereotyping, typos, lazy journalism, bias, unconscious bias ... I think I have been fairly conservative in my complaints

Not that it matters as none have been upheld!

OP posts:
SimonedeBeauvoirscat · 09/07/2021 21:20

I think the BBC complaints department must be shared with the Royal Mail complaints department. Neither of them have ever to my knowledge conceded they are anything less than perfect.

GrrrlPwr · 09/07/2021 21:22

Yes I did!
I complained about them using the word 'cis' to describe a female person. I used all my Mumsnet education and refuted the use. Email back to say the article had been edited to remove it. Result.

AMistakePlusKeleven · 09/07/2021 21:23

I complained about a documentary which misrepresented a medical procedure with an anti-antenatal testing view. Yes, I got the same reply OP.

Ifitquacks · 09/07/2021 21:24

I’ve only complained once (about the headline of an article), and the headline was changed. I think they had a lot of complaints about it. This was a couple of months ago.

Whogotdakeystomabeamer · 09/07/2021 21:26

Okily Dokily, Ned!

suspiria777 · 09/07/2021 21:33

[quote Nachorancho]**@thinkningaboutit* @Nachorancho*

A complaint less than once a year is excessive?!

For varying reasons - dismissive attitude to BAME issues, poor reporting, inaccuracies, misogyny, stereotyping, typos, lazy journalism, bias, unconscious bias ... I think I have been fairly conservative in my complaints

Not that it matters as none have been upheld![/quote]
nine times in six years is more than once a year. if your letter writing skills are as good as your maths that might explain the lack of a desired response.

Original poster
Nachorancho · 09/07/2021 21:33

@Whogotdakeystomabeamer

Okily Dokily, Ned!

Eh? Bedtime calling?

OP posts:
Whogotdakeystomabeamer · 09/07/2021 21:37

[quote Nachorancho]@Whogotdakeystomabeamer

Okily Dokily, Ned!

Eh? Bedtime calling?[/quote]
Ned Flander's (The Simpsons) favourite pastime is complaining to TV Channels! Grin

Lettitbee · 09/07/2021 21:37

I complained about Homes under the Hammer repeatedly implying that female developers would spend too much on decorating etc. (It was a specific case but I don't think it was unique.) I was told that that was my perception and I was wrong. I don't think I've ever had such a dismissive response to a complaint, usually they at least pay lip service to considering what you say. Clearly the BBC always know best and can't be bothered!

Original poster
Nachorancho · 09/07/2021 21:38

(less than ten over past six/seven years) was the phrase used - less than ten could mean two/for or ten

My letter (who writes letters these days?) skills are fine thank you.

If you want tob e obtuse that's fine too

My AIBU was (and is) has anyone had a satisfactory response (irrespective of number of complaints and mode of communication)

I haven't, others have - that's what this was about - I am not calling out anyone, asking a genuine question!

OP posts:
Original poster
Nachorancho · 09/07/2021 21:41

@Whogotdakeystomabeamer

*Ned Flander's (The Simpsons) favourite pastime is complaining to TV Channels"

Yup am aware - and your point is?

It's not a pastime - this is a genuine query as other PP would indicate

Have you never made a comment/remark/complaint/observation @Whogotdakeystomabeamer re anything??

OP posts:
TheRosesOfSuccess · 09/07/2021 21:42

Yes, a small group of us had a complaint upheld against a BBC radio reporter. The radio station issued a retraction of what they had previously reported. It had been factually incorrect and caused us reputational damage.

Whogotdakeystomabeamer · 09/07/2021 21:46

It was just a light hearted comment OP, I didn't mean to offend. Please don't complain about me! Wink
But to answer your question, no I don't think I have actually ever officially complained. That's not to say I wouldn't, however.

Original poster
Nachorancho · 09/07/2021 21:48

@Whogotdakeystomabeamer

None taken!

OP posts:
StrawberrySundayz · 09/07/2021 21:48

I used all my Mumsnet education
Grin

Evenstar · 09/07/2021 21:50

I complained to the Broadcasting Standards Authority about a very violent scene with a Stanley knife that was shown in a BBC drama. They upheld my complaint and said that it had breached a rule about the kind of weapon shown as well. It was over 20 years ago and I have never complained about any other TV or radio programmes.

My father used to regularly complain to the BBC and never got a satisfactory response, they were always dismissive.

Mumsgirls · 09/07/2021 21:52

A few years back at the start of Bargain Hunt, contestant worked for DWP and mocked claimants. Shocked as such a gentle in offensive show. Complained, told I was wrong but not why. They even repeated the programme!
Would not dignify their system by engaging now, complete face. Same found with NHS a system, they just pretend to listen

wardribe · 09/07/2021 21:53

That's a lot of complaints over a short time span! You should just get Netflix or Amazon prime and cancel your tv license then you can watch what you want without getting offended by some drivel tv show

Ifitquacks · 09/07/2021 21:55

@wardribe

That's a lot of complaints over a short time span! You should just get Netflix or Amazon prime and cancel your tv license then you can watch what you want without getting offended by some drivel tv show
The BBC isn’t just TV Confused. My complaint was about a written news article.
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