BBC to geoblock web feeds of most radio stations

icdg

The BBC is launching a new audio app for international listeners which will replace BBC Sounds. As part of this the web feeds of all BBC radio stations other than Radio 4 and the World Service are going to become geoblocked to UK only.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/bbcstudios/2005/bbc-studios-to-make-podcasts-available-to-international-audiences-via-bbc-dot-com-and-the-bbc-app

Disappointing for those of us who like Radio 5 and prefer it to the stuffiness of Radio 4. I know we’ll still be able to listen on satellite but still.

mod note: this is NOT an invitation to discuss circumventing regional restrictions.

odyssey06

Its not clear to me yet what this means for R4 playback or how Radio 4 Extra will be treated.

The podcasts in the Audio section of the BBC app are limited eg I dont see any of the stuff from regular slots on R4 like Drama, Book of the Week available to playback.

AJB39

A very disappointing backward step. I wonder will the BBC radio channels still be available on Virgin Media? Time will tell I guess.

icdg

There’s a suggestion that the only thing that will be geoblocked will be the BBC Sounds app itself, and not the actual feeds. Other apps such as Tunein may still work. That would tally with a promise that UK users who download the app while still in the UK will be able to use it while on holidays.

cj maxx

We'll just have to go back to listening on the wireless to live shows . I'll miss 5live podasts though

Delta2113

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123213736#Comment_123213736

I'd be surprised if they got taken off - BBC are getting paid by Virgin Customers.

Rain from the West

This is not a case of geoblocking I think. It's that the BBC Sounds app & website will be UK only. From the BBC's Q&A page:

"What does this mean for third party platforms that previously carried BBC podcasts and audio?

These changes only impact BBC platforms, as BBC content will remain available on third-party platforms outside the UK."

Platforms such as TuneIn will continue to carry BBC radio IMO.

icdg

Yes. Only first party (BBC-owned) platforms are being restricted. Third party platforms who are licensed to carry BBC stations internationally may still do so. For now anyway.

Rain from the West

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123346164#Comment_123346164

It's puzzling as to why the BBC is doing this in the first place if all you have to do is to switch to a 3rd party platform to continue to listen to BBC radio. Their own explanation as to why is:

"BBC Sounds is a UK licence fee funded service. To offer better value for our UK listeners, BBC Sounds will be repositioned and made available exclusively to UK audiences."

If they are using terms like "funded" and "better value", how is this being accomplished by these changes? If they are thinking in terms of money, why haven't they moved the radio stations to a subscription platform for international listeners. I'd hazard a guess many would sign up for a modest fee to continue listening.

odyssey06

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123346640#Comment_123346640

By removing free international access, it increases the 'notional' value of BBC Sounds to people in the UK.

Also, to broadcast music and charge money for it they would need to pay more to cover international rights.

Maybe they think they can sell on some of their content to international podcast platforms.

Charles Slane

Article on the BBC about BBC Sounds, particularly it being blocked in Ireland -

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123245936#Comment_123245936

Charles Slane

Some good news - the block of BBC Sounds has been delayed. More news on the BBC site -

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgxzn1rmrgo

decor58

One factor behind this move is that listeners outside of the BBCSounds app will be subject to advertising. It mentions access to a number of channels but not 5.

AJB39

The lack of a mention of 5 Live is clearly down to the sports commentaries on that station, most of which were geoblocked on BBC Sounds anyway. However it would be great to still have access to all the other BBC radio stations online. I think that access also needs to provide On Demand access to programming as well as access to the stations live.