BBC Sounds begins connected TV app rollout

BBC Sounds has introduced an app for connected televisions. The app rollout is beginning on YouView and Virgin Media devices, but will launch on other platforms in the future. The news brings BBC Sounds’ more than 80,000 hours of audio content to more hardware.

In announcing the launch, the BBC noted that almost 10% of digital radio listening happens on televisions. The app will let that audience access BBC national radio stations, local stations, and podcasts. It will also have personalized listening recommendations and a user can continue listening to a program across devices.

“More so now than ever, we want our services to be available on whatever devices people want to access them on – and this is the natural next step in the development of BBC Sounds,” said Dan Taylor-Watt, director of product for BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds. “We know lots of people listen to radio on the TV, and since Sounds is already the digital home for all audio from the BBC we’re really pleased to be bringing it into homes with a TV app. This launch is just the start, and we’re looking forward to the app being available on more connected TVs soon.”

Anna Washenko