BBC Postpones Plans to Restrict International Access to BBC Sounds

BBC Sounds Access Update

Bi -Bi -See has postponed its plans to block access to BBC Sounds for listeners outside the UK.

Earlier this year, the corporation announced intentions to restrict the app’s availability for international audiences, while stating that access to Radio 4 and the World Service would still be provided for the entire new section of audio on the BBC website.

Current Accessibility of BBC Sounds

BBC Sounds is a service that enables users to listen to the full array of national and local radio stations and podcasts offered by the corporation, and it is currently fully accessible to audiences around the globe.

Instead of proceeding with their initial plans, they have now expressed their intention to “continue to make other BBC stations accessible to listeners outside the UK,” adding that “they would not close BBC Sounds outside the UK until we confirm these plans.”

He further mentioned that he still plans to restrict access to BBC Sounds for audiences outside the UK by the end of this year, but is now working “in parallel” on plans to keep several stations available internationally during this transition.

“This includes BBC music stations, such as BBC Radio 1, Radio 2, and Radio 3, 6Music, 1XTRA and the Asian Network, along with local radio from various regions,” the corporation explained.

The proposed changes faced significant criticism from audiences in Ireland, particularly since they would lose access to local stations like BBC Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle under the current plans.

Bi -Bi -See has also faced backlash in recent months, notably when it withdrew the documentary Gas: how to survive in the struggle zone from BBC iPlayer in February, a decision criticized by various figures, including Kneecap Director Rich Peppiatt and actor Riz Ahmed, due to the controversial background of the documentary’s source.

The corporation also issued an apology in January to employees who were unable to address alleged misconduct by former host Russell Brand between 2006 and 2008.