PHASE TWO: Addressable Complaint
If the complaint is accepted as an addressable complaint, it moves into Phase Two. Addressable complaints are subject to the following timelines (in business days):
Timetable
1. Day One
Within 48 hours of the Council accepting the addressable complaint, the complainant and news outlet are informed that a) an addressable complaint has been filed and b) unless the parties report the complaint as resolved within 30 days, a hearing will be scheduled for the next available hearing date to be indentified at this time.
The news outlet is asked to respond to the complainant within 10 days, with a copy to the News Council. A copy of the complaint and signed waiver, and a copy of the News Council’s procedures are sent to the news outlet.
2. Day 10
Staff asks both parties if they have made any progress in resolving the complaint, remind them of the 30-day deadline, and expresses hope they can come to a resolution.
3. Day 20
Staff asks both parties if they have made any further progress in resolving the complaint, reminds them of the 30-day deadline, expresses hope that they can come to a resolution, and reminds them that if a resolution is not reached a hearing will be scheduled.
4. Day 30
Staff asks if the complainant is satisfied with the news outlet’s proposed resolution to the complaint (if applicable).
- If yes, staff closes the case and records it as resolved.
- If no*, staff: Confirms the next available hearing date, asks both parties to submit final written statements that include any new information obtained or reached during the process of trying to resolve the complaint, and makes arrangements for the hearing.
*Parties may continue to try to resolve the complaint prior to a hearing, but if they do not reach a resolution before the day of the hearing, the hearing will proceed.