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. Continue Reading
BBC Sounds
BBC Sounds generated 250 million plays in the fourth quarter of 2019
The BBC has shared a few statistics about its BBC Sounds, one of very few peeks behind the scenes with its app effort. During the last quarter of 2019, the app attracted a peak weekly audience of 2.9 million, besting the record of 2.5 million in the third quarter. Continue Reading
MIDiA: Spotify and Apple can each lay claim to leads in podcast platform war
MIDiA Research posted a graphic from its fourth-quarter podcast tracker survey ahead of the launch of its Podcast Platforms report. The data, from a consumer survey of 576 podcast users, show Spotify with a lead in the overall weighted average of four national cohorts. Spotify is also the leading podcast app for Canada, Australia, and the UK, according to MIDiA’s research — but Google leads in the U.S. Continue Reading
BBC will end iPlayer radio app this month in favor of BBC Sounds
The BBC has announced that it will cease operating the iPlayer radio app this month. Listeners have already started receiving notifications on the platform that it will be shuttering. Continue Reading
BBC adds ‘continue listening’ option to its Alexa skill
The BBC has continued to make updates and improvements to its Alexa skill. The biggest new development is the ability to seamlessly continue listening to a program between an Alexa-enabled device and the BBC Sounds app or website. Continue Reading
BBC appoints first controller for BBC Sounds app
The BBC has announced a trio of new controllers, including an appointment to head its latest effort in mobile audio. Jonathan Wall is the first controller for the BBC Sounds app. Continue Reading
BBC Sounds to get more personalization via algorithm
The BBC will roll out a new public service algorithm for its mobile app. Director of Radio and Education James Purnell shared the broadcaster’s next plans for its new BBC Sounds mobile app. Continue Reading
BBC annual plan: More local creative, more from BBC Sounds
The BBC’s annual plan for 2019-2020 demonstrates a continued focus on local culture and creativity while embracing the ongoing digital shifts in the entertainment world. The UK broadcaster cited the popularity of audio and video streaming platforms, including Apple’s very recent announcements about television, and laid out how it plans to stay relevant in the competitive market for eyes and ears. Continue Reading
BBC’s Google block, part 2
We reported yesterday that the BBC blocked Google Podcasts’ access to BBC podcasts, so they cannot be represented in the Google Podcasts app. That block extends to playing BBC podcasts in Google Search results, via the native audio that Google has built there. The BBC declined to comment in response to our inquiry yesterday, but this morning an explanatory blog post appeared that lays out the BBC’s rationale. Continue Reading
BBC Sounds tests exclusive podcast windowing, but faces listener revolt
BBC Sounds is the latest effort by the BBC to reach a broader and younger audience in the digital market. However, the mobile app has been raising eyebrows and questions among users since its launch. A recent dust-up around one of its podcasts being announced as exclusive to BBC Sounds has put the broadcaster on the defensive. Continue Reading
BBC makes open call for podcast commissions on its audio app
The BBC has been revitalizing its approach to podcasts in the modern listening landscape, and a focal point of its strategy is the new BBC Sounds app introduced earlier this summer. Now, the broadcaster has begun an open commissioning process seeking out new podcasts for the app. Continue Reading