Question from a reader:
If I call a TV station to complain, is there a possibility of being tracked down? For example, what would happen if I yelled at TV Asahi, “Why do you end it at such a good part!” when “Doraemon” ends on a high note?

Complaints to TV Stations: Is There a Risk of Being Tracked Down? A Legal
Perspective

Recently, while watching TV, there are times when emotions can get the better of us. I also find myself raising my voice during funny scenes or touching moments when watching “Doraemon” with my kids. There are many moments when I want to shout, “Why do you end it at such a good part!” At such times, I wonder: if I seriously called the TV station to complain, could I be tracked down?

Is it Legal to Complain to a TV Station?

First of all, there is absolutely no problem with complaining to a TV station. Viewers have the right to express their opinions about programs, and TV stations are expected to receive that feedback. Especially for TV stations using public airwaves, viewer opinions are considered very important. I myself have called TV stations a few times. Of course, the reactions vary depending on the person on the other end, but generally, I have the impression that many staff members respond kindly. However, if you yell in a strong tone, the other person will likely become tense, and communication may break down. I understand the urge to become emotional, but I believe it’s important to calmly convey your opinions.

The Possibility of Being Tracked Down

Now, regarding the possibility of being tracked down if you complain over the phone, it depends on the situation. Generally speaking, TV stations do not track down your phone number. Tracking down a number is typically done by the police or agencies with special authority to identify the caller. It is unlikely that an ordinary TV station would do such a thing, and it could also violate personal information protection laws. However, if you were to make threatening statements or clearly engage in criminal behavior, the TV station might report you to the police. In that case, the police could potentially track you down. Therefore, it’s safer to avoid using strong language or making extreme statements.

A Specific Case Study

For example, let’s say one day I was watching “Doraemon” with a friend. As the broadcast was nearing its end, I felt warm and fuzzy inside, but then I thought, “Wait, is this really the end?” and I couldn’t help but shout, “Why do you end it at such a good part!” Driven by that impulse, I decided to call TV Asahi. “Hello, this is TV Asahi,” came the voice. I was a bit nervous, but I calmly conveyed my opinion: “I wish the ending of Doraemon was more creative.” The staff member replied politely, “Thank you for your valuable feedback. We value the voices of our viewers.” This is a typical exchange. Of course, if I had become emotional, the staff might have been confused, and the subsequent response could have been different. Therefore, I believe that suppressing emotions and calmly expressing opinions is the first step toward good communication.

Legal Risks and Precautions

That said, there are some risks associated with making complaints. Especially if you become emotional, it’s easier for the other person to pick up on that emotion. In some cases, the other party might take offense. People working in industries that receive many complaints often carry a lot of stress, so it’s important to approach them politely. Additionally, it’s crucial to be careful with inappropriate expressions directed at the other person. Words that attack individuals, such as “You’re an idiot!” or “I never want to see this program again!” can lead to trouble later on. It’s important to use respectful language.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the likelihood of being tracked down for complaining to a TV station is extremely low. However, it’s best to avoid becoming emotional and using a strong tone when expressing complaints. By calmly conveying your opinions, better communication can emerge. I personally believe that expressing opinions to TV stations is important, but how you convey those opinions is crucial. Since these are programs for everyone to enjoy, I believe that reflecting viewer opinions leads to better program production. In this way, being able to express opinions to TV stations is one of the rights of viewers. Therefore, I hope everyone can convey their opinions in a way that allows for enjoyment. If that happens, the next broadcast of “Doraemon” will surely be even better!