This information is for third party providers. If you are a BBC radio listener, please visit: Changes to live BBC radio streams.
The work the BBC is undertaking is being done to ensure that the distribution of BBC live radio streams meets the conditions of the BBC distribution policy and in particular delivers value for audiences. We believe that accessing content through BBC Sounds provides audiences with the best experience. It offers a convenient and cost-effective way of accessing all of the BBC’s audio content across a wide range of devices. In addition, on BBC Sounds we can help audiences discover other content we have made for them, as well as allowing us to provide personalisation, and offer recommendations etc.
On third party platforms and devices where BBC Sounds is currently not available, we may be able to supply radio streams to those third parties where they are able to meet the reasonable conditions of the BBC Distribution Policy - which are reflected in the criteria of our distribution agreement. By taking this approach, we aim to ensure that our reasonable conditions are met in a consistent way by third party carriage partners.
After the current changes have been implemented the following will apply:
a) Native playback of BBC radio within web and mobile aggregator streaming apps will no longer be possible, however audiences will be able to access all BBC audio content on the BBC Sounds mobile and web applications. There may be instances of BBC radio being accessed via aggregator apps, but playback of the radio streams will take place with the BBC Sounds product, as per the existing Radioplayer mobile app solution.
b) Where audiences are using internet radio/connected devices that do not have BBC Sounds available we are working with third parties to minimise disruption to audiences. We will endeavour to maintain existing integrations of BBC radio streams where they are made available as part of a device’s native internet radio solution where that is compatible with our UK Public Service Distribution Policy conditions, and;
c) Directories and software solutions that enable individual users to directly access streams to add their connected devices will not be supported. This is for a range of reasons related to the BBC’s obligations under the BBC Distribution Policy, including ensuring our streams are not used in non-compliant ways.
In these instances, alternate solutions for accessing BBC radio will remain available to audiences – the BBC Sounds application for mobile and web will remain unchanged, and for connected internet radio devices users will be able to tether BBC Sounds to their devices using Bluetooth, AirPlay or Chromecast. Alternatively BBC stations will remain available on FM and DAB and, where possible, through native internet radio solutions.
Beginning in May 2022 we started communicating the changes to aggregators and device manufacturers, where we were aware they were using our streams.
Changes to the streams began on 6 September and were applied to Radio Shetland, Radio Orkney, and Radio Wales Extra. On the 19 September 2023 we rolled out this change to all other nations and local radio stations. On 26 September we changed Radio 2. On 3 October, we rolled out the change to our remaining national stations.
Enquiries from third party providers can be made by contacting the BBC’s carriage team.