Complain about ads on TV or radio

Find out how to complain about gambling ads here:

Make a complaint about a gambling ad

If your complaint is about the content of an ad, you can contact Ad Standards to complain.

This includes things like the portrayal of sex or sexuality or violence in ads or ads that breach community standards on health and safety. Ad Standards can also consider complaints about ads for food and beverages or alcoholic drinks and advertising to children. 

If your complaint is about the placement or scheduling of an ad, you should Complain to the broadcaster first. If you are not satisfied with the response or do not receive a response within 60 days, you can complain to us

This includes rules about when you can see gambling and alcohol ads.

You can also complain to some broadcasters about how many ads you see or how loud they are.

There are different rules for free-to-air and pay TV. Check the rules here: Industry codes of practice.

If your complaint is about the distinguishability of ads on radio you should complain to the broadcaster first. If you are not satisfied with the response or do not receive a response within 60 days, you can complain to us.

Or you can write to us at PO Box Q500, Queen Victoria Building, NSW 1230.
 

You can complain to us about tobacco ads and the tagging of political ads and the blackout period.

Read more information about the rules for these types of ads:

• ads for tobacco
• the tagging of political matter (including election and referendum ads)
• election or referendum ads during a blackout period

You can complain to us about the tagging of sponsorship announcements on community TV and radio, or if a community licensee has broadcast an advertisement. Read more information about the sponsorship rules for community broadcasters.

There are rules about the ads that can be shown before, during and after children's (C) or preschool (P) classified programs.

If you think a broadcaster has broken the rules, you can complain to the ACMA.

Or you can write to us at PO Box Q500, Queen Victoria Building, NSW 1230.

If you think an ad is misleading or deceptive, contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or your local Office of Fair Trading.