What does the PCC do?

The Press Complaints Commission deals with complaints about the editorial content of UK newspapers, magazines and related websites. They are a free and fast service for everyone, especially members of the public.

There are a body independent of the government so that we have a free press. The PCC administer a 16 clause Code of Practice which should be adhered to by journalists and editors. If the PCC receives a complaint about press, they investigate to see if the Code has been breached. If a problem is found, they mediate between the editor and complainant to resolve the dispute. Usually a correction, apology or clarification will be published.

If a problem remains unresolved, the PCC assesses all of the evidence and will issue a formal adjudication. This adjudication sets out the reasons why the complaint was either upheld or rejected; if it is upheld, the adjudication must be published in full.

Occasionally the PCC will decide that no other action is necessary if, for example:

• A correction is published
• The complainant receives an apologetic letter from the editor
• A follow-up letter from the complainant is published