The BBC has launched its new mobile app, an effort to unite its programming in a package that will be more appealing to younger listeners. BBC Sounds, which was previewed by the broadcaster this summer, contains 80,000 hours of live and on-demand content. Continue Reading
Apple Music continues its trend of siphoning talent away from the BBC. Hip-hop experts have been an especially hot commodity, and the BBC isn’t the only operation to have leading talent seek greener pastures at a rival. Continue Reading
Spotify will be participating in the second annual live event from BBC Music Introducing. The audio streaming service has teamed with the BBC branch to present a series of live podcasts and masterclasses at the event, scheduled for November 8-10 in London. Continue Reading
The BBC has launched its first voice experience designed for children. The BBC Kids Skill features three interactive games starring characters from CBeebies programming to start; more voice experiences and children’s content are expected to be added in the coming months. Continue Reading
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
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Music Biz Slams Citi Report on Industry & Artist Revenue as ‘Inconsistent,’ ‘Inaccurate.’ The future is ear: Why “hearables” are finally tech’s next big thing. Spotify’s $30 billion playlist for global domination. Cook says Apple not in music streaming for the money. Your Favourite BBC Podcasts, Now on Spotify in the UK. Continue Reading
The BBC has released a new app that will unite all of the broadcaster’s audio content and, eventually, replace the iPlayer Radio app. BBC Sounds is a free app for iOS and Android that will house podcasts, music, and radio shows from the broadcaster. Continue Reading
James Purnell, the BBC’s director of education and radio, spoke at the European Broadcasting Union about the organization’s strategy for reaching a young audience that has increasingly favored digital over analog media. His proposed approach is to meet those potential listeners where they are rather than trying to convert them into terrestrial radio fans. Continue Reading
Apple Music has hired more talent away from the BBC. Ryan Newman has left his role as the editor of hip-hop and grime station BBC 1Xtra, where he spearheaded the channel’s music strategy. Now he’ll be joining the hip-hop team at Apple Music. Continue Reading
The BBC has entered a deal with Sweden-based podcast company Acast. Under this partnership, Acast will be the official partner for commercialization of BBC podcasts and audio outside of the UK. The deal is a joint initiative between the BBC World Service and BBC Radio & Education. Continue Reading
Jason Phipps is joining the BBC as the broadcaster’s first commissioning editor for podcasts. When he takes over this post in May, Phipps will be in charge of leading the BBC’s podcast strategy and overseeing its roster of new and existing shows. Continue Reading
The BBC will reportedly be getting a new role of podcast commissioner. Bob Shennan, the BBC Director of Radio and Music, announced at the Radiodays Europe conference that the broadcaster is “about to announce” the new role, which will focus on cultivating content beyond the station brands. The effort is aimed at reaching new and young audiences. Continue Reading