Complaints Policy

Kearney FM is committed to maintaining high editorial and broadcasting standards. We aim to provide accurate, fair, and responsible content across our radio, website, and social platforms. This Complaints Policy sets out how you can raise concerns and how we will respond, in line with guidance from IPSO and Ofcom principles.

1. Purpose

This policy ensures:

• The public has a clear and fair way to raise concerns or complaints.
• Kearney FM maintains transparency and accountability in its journalism and broadcasting.
• We resolve issues in a respectful and timely manner.

2. What You Can Complain About

We accept complaints relating to:

• Accuracy: Incorrect, misleading, or distorted information.
• Harm and Offence: Offensive content, inappropriate language, or insensitivity.
• Privacy: Intrusion into an individual’s private life without justification.
• Harassment: Repeated or unjustified targeting of individuals or groups.
• Discrimination: Content that may incite hatred or discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexuality, disability, etc.
• Children and Vulnerable People: Issues related to the portrayal or treatment of minors or vulnerable individuals.
• Commercial Influence: Undisclosed advertising or conflicts of interest in editorial content.

We also take complaints regarding presenter behaviour, safeguarding concerns, or breaches of our own editorial policies.

3. Time Limit

Complaints should be made within 30 days of the broadcast or publication of the material in question. In exceptional circumstances, we may consider older complaints at our discretion.

4. How to Make a Complaint

To lodge a complaint, please contact us in writing via email or use the form below:

📧 compliance@kearneyfmradio.co.uk
Subject line: Formal Complaint

Please include:

• Your full name and contact details
• The date and time of the content in question
• A clear description of the issue
• A link (if online) or reference to the programme or article
• The outcome or resolution you are seeking

5. What Happens Next

1. Acknowledgement
   You will receive confirmation that your complaint has been received, usually within 5 working days.
2. Investigation
   We will review the relevant content and speak with the individuals involved. We aim to resolve most complaints within 15 working days.
3. Response
   A written response will be provided, outlining our findings and any action taken.
4. Resolution
   If your complaint is upheld, we may offer a correction, clarification, apology, or other remedial action as appropriate.

6. Escalating Your Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with our response, you may escalate your complaint to:

• Ofcom (for radio broadcast issues)
  Website: https://www.ofcom.org.uk
• IPSO (for website and written editorial content)
  Website: https://www.ipso.co.uk

Please refer to their guidelines to check whether your complaint qualifies for review.

7. Confidentiality

We treat all complaints in line with GDPR and our Privacy Policy. Personal information will only be used for the purposes of handling your complaint unless legally required.

8. Commitment to Improvement

Complaints help us improve. We view all complaints seriously and use them to refine our content, training, and editorial oversight.

9. Contact Us

For general enquiries: