This information is for third party providers. If you are a ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ radio listener, please visit: Changes to live ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ radio streams.
The work the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ is undertaking is being done to ensure that the distribution of ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ live radio streams meets the conditions of the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ distribution policy and in particular delivers value for audiences. We believe that accessing content through ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Sounds provides audiences with the best experience. It offers a convenient and cost-effective way of accessing all of the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳’s audio content across a wide range of devices. In addition, on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Sounds we can help audiences discover other content we have made for them, as well as allowing us to provide personalisation, and offer recommendationsÌýetc.
On third party platforms and devices where ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Sounds is currently not available, we may be able to supply radio streams to those third parties where they are able to meet the reasonable conditions of the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Distribution Policy - which are reflected in the criteria of our distribution agreement. By taking this approach, we aim to ensure that our reasonable conditions are met in a consistent way by third party carriage partners.
After the current changes have been implemented the following will apply:Ìý
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a) Native playback of ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ radio within web and mobile aggregator streaming apps will no longer be possible, however audiences will be able to access all ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ audio content on the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Sounds mobile and web applications.ÌýThere may be instances of ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ radio being accessed via aggregator apps, but playback of the radio streams will take place with the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Sounds product, as per the existing Radioplayer mobile app solution.
b) Where audiences are using internet radio/connected devices that do not have ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Sounds available we are working with third parties to minimise disruption to audiences. We will endeavour to maintain existing integrations of ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ radio streams where they are made available as part of a device’s native internet radio solution where that is compatible with our UK Public Service Distribution Policy conditions, and;Ìý
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c) Directories and software solutions that enable individual users to directly access streams to add their connected devices will not be supported.ÌýThis is for a range of reasons related to the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳’s obligations under the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Distribution Policy, including ensuring our streams are not used in non-compliant ways.
In these instances, alternate solutions for accessing ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ radio will remain available to audiences – the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Sounds application for mobile and web will remain unchanged, and for connected internet radio devices users will be able to tether ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Sounds to their devices using Bluetooth, AirPlay or Chromecast.ÌýAlternatively ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ stations will remain available on FM and DAB and, where possible, through native internet radio solutions.
Beginning in May 2022 we started communicating the changes to aggregators and device manufacturers, where we were aware they were using our streams. Ìý
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Changes to the streams began on 6 September and were applied to Radio Shetland, Radio Orkney, and Radio Wales Extra. On the 19 September 2023 we rolled out this change to all other nations and local radio stations. On 26 September we changed Radio 2.ÌýOn 3 October, we rolled out the change to our remaining national stations.Ìý
Enquiries from third party providers can be made by contacting the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳’s carriage team.
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