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
The BBC has rolled out its first full voice app, creating Amazon Alexa skills for all of its radio stations and podcasts. The skills include controls such as play, pause, and resume. This move expands the broadcaster’s content available on devices running Amazon’s voice assistant platform. Continue Reading
The BBC has introduced a new show called Podcasting House that aims to be a discovery hub for its audio content. In its introduction, the show is described as “a clearinghouse for hundreds of podcasts from the BBC.” Continue Reading
Audio companies of all stripes have been hopping on the bandwagon of smart speakers. The BBC is the latest to take advantage of the new technology in a more unique way. The broadcaster has created an interactive audio drama where listeners can influence the end result of their story. The piece, titled The Inspection Chamber, debuted as an Amazon Alexa skill in the UK this week. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Two BBC Radio execs talk about broadcast and streaming. Pandora’s new CEO chats to Billboard. Taylor Swift is best buds with Spotify now. Continue Reading
The BBC has released its annual plan for 2017-2018. The broadcaster’s budget includes a large investment in children’s programming. It is putting £34 million ($44 million) into BBC Children over the next three years. That money will fund several projects for young audience members, including an enhanced online program with new forms of content and interactivity. Continue Reading
Amazon is continuing to expand the talent pool for its music team. The latest addition is Jason Carter, who will take over a director position for a new initiative at the company. Carter joins from the BBC, where most recently served as head of live music, international, and BBC Introducing. Continue Reading