The BBC pulls content from TuneIn for UK listeners
The BBC will remove most its programming from TuneIn UK. TuneIn announced the change, which takes effect on August 30. Podcasts will not be impacted by this development. Continue Reading
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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 Music launches in the United States
The BBC Music website has arrived stateside. The UK broadcaster’s online hub for original music reporting across its radio, digital, and television channels rolled out in the United States last week. 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 blocks its podcasts on Google
The BBC has blocked its podcasts on platforms operated by Google. The block stretches to prevent access to BBC shows through the new Google Podcasts app, via Google Assistant, and from Google search. The move to restrict access began last week, according to Podnews. Continue Reading
BBC promotes Bob Shennan to new managerial role
Bob Shennan has been promoted within the BBC. Beginning in April, his new post will be the newly created role of group managing director. Shennan’s tenure with the BBC began back in 1987. Continue Reading
BBC World Service teams with Zeno Media for low-cost radio app
The BBC World Service has introduced a new app in partnership with Zeno Media. Their app relies on Zeno’s call-to-listen function that helps people stay connected to radio stations in other markets around the world, especially in areas where mobile data is expensive or unavailable. Continue Reading
Spotify teams with BBC Studios and Chuck D for Clash podcast
Spotify’s latest original podcast is a collaboration with BBC Studios. The streaming service commissioned the UK broadcaster for a show titled Stay Free: The Story of The Clash. 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