A new BBC audio website and app will replace BBC Sounds for users outside the UK later this year.
This means only two radio stations will only be available via BBC.com, the commercial arm of the corporation, along with podcasts.
Only BBC World Service and BBC Radio 4 will be available to users abroad, as revealed by James Cridland
earlier this month.
No other national or local radio stations will officially be available due to rights reasons.
The BBC issued a press release on the move today, saying: “Through this new user experience, listeners can explore deeper context and analysis on select topics, gaining a richer understanding of the issues that matter most—all without leaving the platform.
“As part of this launch, the BBC will also be making BBC Sounds available exclusively to UK audiences and ending access to the service for international users beginning Spring 2025. UK users who go on holiday (outside the UK) for a short period of time will still be able to use the BBC Sounds app abroad.”
BBC Studios is responsible for the monetization of digital news and factual products including BBC.com, the BBC app, BBC Select and BBC Podcast Premium, whose profits help continue to fund the BBC’s journalism and reporting.
radiotoday.co.uk