Programme availability

Why will some radio programmes be available first on �鶹�� Sounds after broadcast?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:43:36 +0000

Why will some radio programmes be available first on �鶹�� Sounds after broadcast?

Since we launched �鶹�� Sounds we’ve had a number of podcasts either available first, or only, on �鶹�� Sounds, giving listeners easy access to them on the �鶹��’s own digital platform.

We have also made a small number of our radio programmes available for on-demand listening first on �鶹�� Sounds. We want more people to use Sounds to listen to their favourite �鶹�� audio, and to easily discover more content from the �鶹��.

These radio programmes will be available to stream on �鶹�� Sounds via the website, mobile/tablet app TV app and on smart speakers. They can also be downloaded via the �鶹�� Sounds mobile/tablet app.

The programmes can then be downloaded on our website, and made available to listen on other platforms a month after they are first on Sounds.

You can read more about why a small number of programmes will be available first on �鶹�� Sounds on the following page: �鶹�� Sounds – the best and first place to listen

I can't install the �鶹�� Sounds app, how can I listen to �鶹�� exclusive programmes or podcasts?

If you can't install the free �鶹�� Sounds app on your device, just visit www.bbc.co.uk/sounds on your device’s internet browser where you can stream all of our programmes. Our �鶹�� Sounds website can be accessed on most smartphones and tablets. Podcasts can be downloaded using the website, and Sounds exclusive podcasts can be downloaded via the website after 28 days.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

How long is Test Match Special available for?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:44:09 +0000

How long is Test Match Special available for?

Test Match Special is available for up to seven days after broadcast. For rights reasons, however, you'll only be able to listen if you are in the UK.

You can listen to all available coverage of Test Match Special on the Test Match Special programme page.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

How long are podcasts available for?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:45:00 +0000

How long are podcasts available for?

It depends on the podcast:

The majority are available on �鶹�� Sounds for either 30 days or indefinitely
Some episodes may disappear after seven days (this is for rights reasons or where it's felt that the episodes might go out of date quickly)
Some episodes may be made available for the duration of a particular series or season, with all episodes disappearing after the same amount of time after the final episode has been published

How can I tell how long a podcast will be available for?

On the �鶹�� Sounds website

Find the podcast episode in question and look for the availability information underneath the playback screen:
On the �鶹�� Sounds app on mobiles and tablets

Tap on the podcast episode to find information about that podcast, including how long it’s available for:
On the �鶹�� Sounds app on TVs

Once you've found the podcast you want to listen to, click on More info. You'll see how long you have left to listen on the right-hand side:

Can I subscribe to podcasts?

Yes, you can. Check our How do I subscribe to podcasts? page for advice on how to do this.

What if I download a podcast?

Once you have downloaded a podcast episode, it is yours to keep forever and will not expire. Unfortunately, if you missed an episode and didn't download it while it was available, we will not be able to provide you with a copy.

Why don't all radio programmes have a podcast?

Rights restrictions mean that some programmes can't be made available as podcasts. The selection of podcasts currently on offer has been chosen to represent a wide range of �鶹�� radio audio output and we hope that you will find something which interests you.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

Why isn't all sports coverage available?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:45:00 +0000

Why isn't all sports coverage available?

Sports coverage can be subject to rights restrictions which means we are not always able to offer it live, on demand or outside the UK.

For rights reasons, the �鶹�� Radio 5 live sports extra station is not available from outside the UK.

If you’re in the UK and you hear a message advising that the content is unavailable due to technical or rights reasons, please see the Why do you think I'm outside the UK? page.

Some of our UK sports coverage is only carried on local or regional radio and is not always available online.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

How long are programmes available for?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:46:29 +0000

How long are programmes available for?

The majority of our programmes are available to listen to on demand for 30 days after broadcast. If you're listening to a series, it's best to check that all the episodes are currently available so you don't miss out on any parts of the story.

Some programmes for which the �鶹�� owns the rights have a much longer availability period. However, some have shorter availability periods, or may not be available on demand at all, due to rights issues. This is mainly the case for sporting events.

�鶹�� Sounds website

The episode availability will be displayed underneath the playback screen, just above the episode description.

�鶹�� Sounds app on mobiles and tablets

Tap on the episode or music mix and scroll down to see how long that episode is still available for.

�鶹�� Sounds on connected TVs

Once you've found the episode you want to listen to, select it, or select More info. You'll see how long you have left to listen on the right-hand side.

How long are downloads available for?

Downloaded programmes have the same availability as their on-demand counterparts, so if an episode is available for 30 days on demand, it will also only be available for 30 days as a download. Once it's outrun its availability, it will be removed from the Downloads section on the �鶹�� Sounds app. Podcasts are different, though. Take a look at the advice below for information on podcast availability.

How long are podcasts available for?

Once you've downloaded a podcast, it's yours to keep and has no expiry date. Podcasts that aren't downloaded (i.e. streamed online) may only be available for a short while - most for just seven days - so it's best to download it if you want to keep it for longer.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

Why are some radio programmes not available?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:50:44 +0000

Why are some radio programmes not available?

When we can, we aim to make all our programmes available within a short period of time after they've been broadcast. Sometimes we might not be able to make a programme available to listen to on demand, or we may be able to make the programme available, but only within the UK, or for shorter periods of time. This is usually because we don't have the relevant rights. This is mostly the case with sport content, but it can affect other programmes too.

How can I tell if a programme will be available?

Find the programme you'd like to listen to (either before it's been broadcast or after it's been broadcast) and if it's not available to play yet, check the message that appears on the playback screen:

"This programme will be available shortly after broadcast"

If there's a message on the playback screen for the on-demand programme you'd like to listen to that says, "This programme will be available shortly after broadcast," then we'll have the programme up as soon as we can. Sometimes there can be a delay in publishing programmes. Usually, this is only for a short while, but if the programme is still not available the next day, get in touch to let us know.

"Sorry, this episode is not currently available"

If there's no play button for a programme that's already been broadcast and a message on the playback screen that says "Sorry, this episode is not currently available..." then this programme won't be made available online. This will most likely be because we don't have the necessary rights for this content.

Outside of the UK? You'll usually see an error message advising that the programme can't be accessed in your location.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

Live News on �鶹�� Sounds

Anonymous — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 10:25:03 +0000

Live News on �鶹�� Sounds

�鶹�� Sounds has launched a new audio stream offering uninterrupted coverage of live news and current affairs.

The stream will be offering audio-only news coverage that is broadcast on the �鶹�� with inputs from both live radio and live TV 24 hours a day. A sample day might include the Today Programme, Nicky Campbell, World At One, Politics Live, Any Questions, Newsnight and Newscast.

You can find the stream in the Listen Live rail at the top of the homepage, on the Stations & Schedules page or on most smart speakers by saying “ask �鶹�� Sounds for Live News.”

Anonymous (not verified) 18 June 2024

What are Sounds exclusive stations?

Anonymous — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 13:15:02 +0000

What are Sounds exclusive stations?

Sounds exclusive stations are live streams that are only available through �鶹�� Sounds, such as Radio 1 Dance and Live News.

We have launched two new music streams, Radio 1 Anthems and Radio 3 Unwind, available exclusively on �鶹�� Sounds. Radio 1 Anthems will play all day anthems from the 00s to now, while Radio 3 Unwind will play classical music to unwind your mind.

You can find the streams on the �鶹�� Sounds website or app in the Listen Live rail at the top of the homepage, on the Stations & Schedules page or on most smart speakers by saying "play Radio 1 Anthems" or "play Radio 3 Unwind."

Sounds exclusive stations, including Radio 1 Anthems and Radio 3 Unwind, are UK-only streams, available only on �鶹�� Sounds.

Anonymous (not verified) 05 November 2024