BBC Sounds geoblocking postponed for listeners in France and elsewhere abroad
‘We are working on plans to make stations available to listeners outside the UK on alternative platforms’, broadcaster says
The BBC has not abandoned its proposed geoblocking of the Sounds app and website
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The BBC’s proposed geoblocking of its Sounds app has been postponed until more solutions are available for listeners abroad to access BBC radio on alternative platforms, the broadcaster has confirmed to The Connexion.
The broadcaster had planned to cut access to the Sounds app and website for international listeners at an undetermined date in spring 2025.
This is due to new international rights restrictions that will see many programmes move to subscription services on Apple and Spotify - a cost cutting measure that the BBC says “will offer better value for UK listeners”.
However many BBC radio programmes and channels are not currently broadcast on these platforms.
Plans postponed
The plans prompted an outcry from listeners abroad, who feared they would be left with limited access to BBC radio.
These plans have been postponed - but not abandoned.
“We are working on plans to ensure the ongoing availability of other BBC stations for listeners outside the UK on alternative platforms,” the BBC said.
“As a result, the BBC plans to close BBC Sounds to audiences living outside the UK later this year, making it available exclusively to UK audiences - which will offer better value for UK listeners.”
“Anyone who lives in the UK will still be able to use the BBC Sounds app when they go on holiday abroad.”
“In parallel, we are working on plans to ensure the ongoing availability of other BBC stations for listeners outside the UK on alternative platforms.
“This includes the BBC’s music stations, BBC Radio 1, Radio 2, and Radio 3, 6Music, 1Xtra and Asian Network, as well as the BBC’s stations from the nations and regions.
“We will prioritise countries where demand for the BBC’s audio services is highest. We will not close BBC Sounds outside the UK until we have confirmed these plans.”
The BBC’s planned geoblocking of the Sounds app in spring 2025 would have left many without access to Radio 1, 2, 3 and 6 Music.
Read more: How to listen to BBC radio as broadcaster ends access to Sounds app in France
While the new plans appear to ensure that these stations will remain available to listeners abroad, the BBC statement notably does not mention 5 Live. Radio 4 is already available on the BBC Sounds app’s replacement service BBC Audio, albeit with restrictions on certain programmes.
