1. A complaint is initiated through Complaint Form 1, available at the Media Council Secretariat and on the website, setting out the grounds of complaint, injury or damage suffered, and the remedy sought.
    2. Upon receipt, the Commission notifies the Respondent in writing within fourteen (14) days and requires a written response.
    3. After receiving submissions from both parties, the Commission conducts a preliminary assessment within fourteen (14) days to determine admissibility and may dismiss a complaint with reasons where it is devoid of merit.
    4. A party aggrieved by a decision dismissing a complaint may apply to the Commission within fourteen (14) days for review or variation of that decision.
    5. Where the Commission finds that a complaint discloses a possible breach of the Act or the Code, it may refer the matter within fourteen (14) days to inter-partes mediation conducted by one or two Commissioners appointed by the Chairperson. Mediation is voluntary, private, and confidential. If unsuccessful, the matter reverts to the Commission for determination by the presiding adjudication panel, and all mediation discussions remain confidential and inadmissible in the adjudicative process.