Latest news with #InfiniteMonkeyCage
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Expats to be cut off from BBC radio within weeks
Expats will be cut off from scores of BBC radio stations and podcasts in a shake-up of the public service broadcaster's international output. From this spring, the BBC will no longer allow access to Sounds – its audio streaming service – from abroad. Instead, international audiences will need to tune into radio and podcasts on a new advertising-funded service on or the broadcaster's app. Rights restrictions means some programming, including all music radio stations and some podcasts, will be removed completely. Others will only be available through third-party subscription services such as Apple and Spotify. The BBC said expats will still have access to talk radio stations such as Radio 4 and the World Service, as well as more than 1,000 podcasts, including Global News Podcast, The Global Story and Infinite Monkey Cage. Nevertheless, the move has fuelled concerns that international audiences will be cut off from large swathes of their favourite programming. Kirsty Lang, the broadcaster who fronts Radio 4 shows including Front Row, Last Word and Round Britain Quiz, described the decision as 'devastating for all our overseas listeners'. She added: 'BBC Radio is a vital lifeline to so many overseas listeners. I have no idea why they're cutting it or why they can't introduce a subscription for people living outside the UK.' Expats will be able to continue accessing BBC services through the use of a virtual private network (VPN), which masks a user's IP address and allows them to bypass geo-blocked material. However, such measures are likely to be difficult for less tech-savvy listeners. BBC Sounds users will also lose access to their subscriptions and bookmarked programmes, and will have to set them up again manually. The BBC said: 'BBC Sounds is a UK licence fee-funded service. To offer better value for our UK listeners, BBC Sounds will be repositioned and made available exclusively to UK audiences.' It marks the latest controversial shake-up of the BBC's audio output after the corporation outlined plans to place adverts around some of its radio and podcast programmes when they are streamed via services such as Apple and Spotify in the UK. The proposals triggered a furious response from commercial rivals, who warned of a 'catastrophic' distortion of the advertising market. Gary Lineker's production company Goalhanger, which makes podcasts including The Rest is Politics and The Rest is History, was among 20 media companies to condemn the plans. The BBC is looking to boost its commercial income as part of efforts to plug a £500m black hole in its finances. The corporation is also in discussions with ministers about the future of the licence fee funding model ahead of the end of the current charter period in 2027. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
20-03-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Expats to be cut off from BBC radio within weeks
Expats will be cut off from scores of BBC radio stations and podcasts in a shake-up of the public service broadcaster's international output. From this spring, the BBC will no longer allow access to Sounds – its audio streaming service – from abroad. Instead, international audiences will need to tune into radio and podcasts on a new advertising-funded service on or the broadcaster's app. Rights restrictions means some programming, including all music radio stations and some podcasts, will be removed completely. Others will only be available through third-party subscription services such as Apple and Spotify. The BBC said expats will still have access to talk radio stations such as Radio 4 and the World Service, as well as more than 1,000 podcasts, including Global News Podcast, The Global Story and Infinite Monkey Cage. Nevertheless, the move has fuelled concerns that international audiences will be cut off from large swathes of their favourite programming. 'Vital lifeline' Kirsty Lang, the broadcaster who fronts Radio 4 shows including Front Row, Last Word and Round Britain Quiz, described the decision as 'devastating for all our overseas listeners'. She added: 'BBC Radio is a vital lifeline to so many overseas listeners. I have no idea why they're cutting it or why they can't introduce a subscription for people living outside the UK.' Expats will be able to continue accessing BBC services through the use of a virtual private network (VPN), which masks a user's IP address and allows them to bypass geo-blocked material. However, such measures are likely to be difficult for less tech-savvy listeners. BBC Sounds users will also lose access to their subscriptions and bookmarked programmes, and will have to set them up again manually. The BBC said: 'BBC Sounds is a UK licence fee-funded service. To offer better value for our UK listeners, BBC Sounds will be repositioned and made available exclusively to UK audiences.'
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why BBC Podcasts Are Moving to Its Website and App Outside the U.K.
Listeners and fans of BBC podcasts outside of Britain will soon get to discover and access them via and its app, while the BBC Sounds audio service will become exclusive to U.K. audiences. The change is set to take effect in the spring. 'The newly launched audio section of and app is curated with international audiences in mind, making the BBC's vast portfolio of current and archived podcasts, including hits like Global News Podcast, World of Secrets and Infinite Monkey Cage, plus BBC Radio 4 and World Service radio stations, easier to find,' the British broadcaster said in a post Monday. More from The Hollywood Reporter Documentary Great Louis Theroux to Be Honored With National Film and Television School Fellowship 'Luther' Creator Neil Cross on Exchanging East London Grime for the Italian Sun in New Thriller Series 'Iris' The Nazi Clouds Descend on 'Babylon Berlin' Season 5 (Exclusive First Image) The BBC added, 'For the first time, audiences globally can enjoy a fully integrated experience on and the app where the BBC's award-winning audio content sits alongside our renowned journalism and storytelling. Through this new user experience, listeners can explore deeper context and analysis on select topics, gaining a richer understanding of the issues that matter most — all without leaving the platform.' As part of this, the BBC will also be making BBC Sounds available exclusively to people in the U.K., 'ending access to the service for international users' beginning in spring, the BBC said. 'U.K. users who go on holiday (outside the U.K.) will still be able to use the BBC Sounds app for a limited period.' It highlighted that the changes are part of an evolution of the BBC's services as it looks to 'continue to build a single, one-stop destination for the best of BBC journalism and storytelling.' Last year, the BBC and Amazon Music struck a deal that made BBC podcasts available on the streaming service outside the U.K. for the first time. Louise la Grange, senior vp, BBC Audio, Digital News and Streaming at BBC Studios, highlighted that the trust and quality that the BBC brand stands for is one key reason for the appeal of its podcasts and updated strategy. 'As the world's most trusted news organization, listeners come to us for our award-winning journalism and world-class storytelling,' she told THR. 'Whether it's our authoritative take on global news events in the Global News Podcast, gripping investigative series such as World of Secrets or fascinating storytelling in History's Heroes, our content is trusted and loved by audiences around the world.' Are there any countries that are the biggest markets for BBC podcasts outside the U.K.? 'We are proud to say that our content is listened to in every single country on the planet,' the executive told THR. 'But when you focus on specific markets, outside of the U.K., we have incredibly strong followings and listenership in the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany and Japan.' The new podcast business strategy is also expected to help continue to grow advertising revenue opportunities outside the U.K., La Grange said, explaining: 'The addition of audio will drive further engagement on our platforms and will open up new advertising monetization opportunities — both in the audio itself but also as part of 360 (degree) campaigns spanning the rest of the BBC's ad real estate.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter How the Warner Brothers Got Their Film Business Started Meet the World Builders: Hollywood's Top Physical Production Executives of 2023 Men in Blazers, Hollywood's Favorite Soccer Podcast, Aims for a Global Empire
BBC News
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
BBC podcasts and audio are now available on BBC.com
Enjoy more than 1,000 current BBC podcasts and a rich archive of shows whenever you want on and the BBC app. For the first time, BBC podcasts and audio are now available on both and the BBC app. While they remain available on other podcast platforms, a wide selection of the BBC's current podcasts and its archive are accessible here on the BBC website and on the BBC app. Longtime favourites are joining new additions to provide a comprehensive listening experience that reflects the breadth of the BBC's audio offerings from all genres. Frequently asked questions What types of content will be available? Over 1,000 current and archived English-language BBC podcasts, including hits like Global News Podcast, The Global Story and Infinite Monkey Cage, plus BBC Radio 4 and World Service stations. How long are programmes available for? Most of the BBC's programmes are available to listen to on demand. If you're listening to a series, check that all the episodes are currently available so that you don't miss out on any parts of the story. Episode availability is clearly displayed both on the BBC website and on the BBC app. website: Each episode's current availability will be displayed underneath the playback screen, just above each episode description. BBC app: Tap on the episode and scroll down to see how long that episode is still available for. Why are some radio programmes and podcasts not available? Due to rights limitations, not all BBC content can be made available to international users. This includes BBC music radio stations as well as some podcasts. We endeavour to provide a comprehensive listening experience to our audience with hundreds of podcasts available. We will continually be adding more content. How can I search for specific audio content? You can search for specific audio content using keywords, titles or contributors in the search bar at the top of the BBC app or website. Are there categories to help me find content? Yes, you can explore content through categories such as News and History. Can I download audio content for offline listening? Downloading for offline listening soon will be available as a feature on the mobile app only. Will I need to be signed into BBC account to listen to Audio? No, you don't need to be signed in to listen to audio. However, a BBC account will be required to follow or save content. Visit BBC account help if you need help or support with signing up for a BBC account. Will I lose all my subscribed and bookmarked content from BBC Sounds? Unfortunately, your subscribed and bookmarked content is not transferred automatically. You'll need to manually set up your subscriptions and bookmarks again. Please log into your BBC account and add it to your new "Follow" and "Saved" lists. You may find something that doesn't work as you expected it to. If that's the case, please let us know by sending a message. We read every piece of feedback and give it serious consideration as we develop our plans to improve the site and the BBC app. -- Sign up for The Essential List newsletter – a handpicked selection of features, videos and can't-miss news, delivered to your inbox twice a week.
