Press watchdog probes less than 15% of complaints

Less than 15% of all complaints against newspapers and magazines are probed by the Press Ombudsman.

Figures show that of 575 calls to the watchdog last year, just 84 were officially processed, with 40 ruled on, and 18 of those upheld.

The Press Ombudsman, Professor John Horgan, said complaints are increasingly being resolved by conciliation with newspaper editors, with almost 30 cases settled.