BBC domestic radio will stay available internationally after all

So, in February, I linked to an FAQ from the BBC - seemingly published two weeks early - which suggested that the BBC would be removing BBC Sounds from international users, and also removing access to BBC music radio stations from us too.

Particularly, the FAQ said:

Due to rights limitations, not all BBC content can be made available to international users. This includes BBC music radio stations as well as some podcasts.

So, that was pretty clear. BBC music radio stations were not going to be made available to international users.

But, that FAQ has undergone a few quiet and subtle changes since then - all without updating the publish date of the piece.

On March 14, the following text appeared:

BBC’s UK national music stations are available to listeners in certain countries outside the UK through TuneIn.

That led some of us to believe that the BBC had done a deal with TuneIn, perhaps, to carry its stations.

…but on March 18, that’s not there any more. It’s been replaced with this section:

What does this mean for third party platforms that previously carried BBC podcasts and audio?
These changes only impact BBC platforms, as BBC content will remain available on the same third-party platforms as before outside the UK.

So, you will be able to listen to BBC Radio 2, or to 6 Music, or to BBC Radio Leeds, outside of the UK.

Just not from the BBC. You’ll have to use something else - potentially a Google smart speaker, or the increasingly faded TuneIn.

If you come to the BBC’s apps or websites, though, you won’t get any access.

You remember when I was congratulating the BBC on a clear strategy and saying that finally everything made sense? Yes, me too.

(I’ve asked the BBC for comment - if I hear anything, I’ll let us all know).