This information is for third party providers. If you are a ±«Óãtv radio listener, please visit: Changes to live ±«Óãtv radio streams.
The work the ±«Óãtv is undertaking is being done to ensure that the distribution of ±«Óãtv live radio streams meets the conditions of the ±«Óãtv distribution policy and in particular delivers value for audiences. We believe that accessing content through ±«Óãtv Sounds provides audiences with the best experience. It offers a convenient and cost-effective way of accessing all of the ±«Óãtv’s audio content across a wide range of devices. In addition, on ±«Óãtv 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 ±«Óãtv 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 ±«Óãtv 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 ±«Óãtv radio within web and mobile aggregator streaming apps will no longer be possible, however audiences will be able to access all ±«Óãtv audio content on the ±«Óãtv Sounds mobile and web applications.ÌýThere may be instances of ±«Óãtv radio being accessed via aggregator apps, but playback of the radio streams will take place with the ±«Óãtv Sounds product, as per the existing Radioplayer mobile app solution.
b) Where audiences are using internet radio/connected devices that do not have ±«Óãtv Sounds available we are working with third parties to minimise disruption to audiences. We will endeavour to maintain existing integrations of ±«Óãtv 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 ±«Óãtv’s obligations under the ±«Óãtv Distribution Policy, including ensuring our streams are not used in non-compliant ways.
In these instances, alternate solutions for accessing ±«Óãtv radio will remain available to audiences – the ±«Óãtv Sounds application for mobile and web will remain unchanged, and for connected internet radio devices users will be able to tether ±«Óãtv Sounds to their devices using Bluetooth, AirPlay or Chromecast.ÌýAlternatively ±«Óãtv 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 ±«Óãtv’s carriage team.
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