Frequently asked consumer questions

I have complaint about my television provider – can ComReg deal with it?

I am experiencing interference on my radio, what should I do?

Does my television provider have to provide me with a subtitling service?

I am picking up interference from what might be a “pirate” radio station, what should I do?

I wish to make a complaint about a television programme, does ComReg regulate content?
 

1. I have complaint about my television provider – can ComReg deal with it?

Answer: Unfortunately not. From the 25th of July 2003, under the European Framework for Electronic Communications Networks and Services, the Commission for Communications Regulation no longer has any legislative basis to deal with broadcasting consumer complaints/queries and does not regulate retail television programme distribution. 

2. I am experiencing interference on my radio, what should I do?

Answer: Analogue radios (i.e. those that pick up broadcasts on the FM, MW, LW or SW frequency bands) need a good aerial to guarantee the best sound quality. If you’re quite far from the nearest transmitter it can be difficult for radio signals to go through thick brick or concrete walls, so you might find that putting the radio on a window sill with the aerial near the window glass can help. If the radio is close to an electrical device with a large motor (for example, a washing machine or fridge-freezer) this can also cause interference. Try moving the radio from room to room to see if the reception problems improve or worsen.

 
3. Does my television provider have to provide me with a subtitling service?

Answer: ComReg has no role in the delivery of subtitling services. The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has imposed rules governing the provision of subtitles on the four indigenous channels – RTÉ 1, RTÉ 2, TG4 and TV3. The rules state that subtitles must be available between the hours of 7am and 1am 365 days of the year. No such provision extends to any of the other channels.

4. I am picking up interference from what might be a “pirate” radio station, what should I do?

Answer: Illegal broadcasting is a criminal offence. So-called ‘pirate’ radio stations interfere with vital safety of life services such as the fire service, police, ambulance, search and rescue and air traffic control. They also interfere with legitimate radio stations enjoyed by millions of people. Please tell us what happened by calling 01 8049600 or send an email to compliance@comreg.ie 

It is important you give us as much information as possible such as date, time, frequency, distinctive words/accents etc.

5. I wish to make a complaint about a television programme, does ComReg regulate content?

Answer: No. ComReg does not regulate content and if you wish to make a complaint regarding programme content transmitted on RTÉ’s network, please contact RTÉ directly on info@RTÉ.ie or complaints.review@RTÉ.ie. If you wish to complain about non-RTÉ programmes please contact the Broadcasting Complaints Commission (BCC). The BCC has the  responsibility to deal with all broadcasting complaints concerning radio and television broadcasters licensed within the Republic of Ireland. Their  contact details are below:

 Broadcasting Complaints Commission,
 2 - 5 Warrington Place,
 Dublin 2.

 Tel: 01 676 1097
 Fax: 01 676 0948
 Email: info@bcc.ie