International rollout of BBC iPlayer Radio app
July 8, 2016
The BBC has launched an international BBC iPlayer Radio app in the Republic of Ireland, the first stage of its global roll-out.
Available in the UK since 2012, the free BBC iPlayer Radio app will transform access to BBC Radio programmes internationally, making it easier for audiences around the world to listen to a variety of BBC radio stations, including BBC World Service English, on their devices wherever they are.
BBC World Service in English, which has a global audience of 66m, will automatically display on a touchscreen dial when users outside the UK open the app for the first time. Users can simply spin the dial to access more BBC Radio stations and discover more world-class content which includes news, music, drama, comedy.
As well as access to live radio programmes from the World Service and radio stations across the UK, users around the world with the app can:
- Catch up or listen again to their favourite BBC Radio programmes
- Download podcasts to enjoy anywhere, even when offline
- Browse and listen to carefully curated BBC Radio highlights and collections
- View daily schedules and categories quickly and easily
- Discover audio and video clips, including many live performances
- See what tracks are playing on air as well as track lists for on-demand programmes
- Wake up to and doze off to BBC Radio with a built-in alarm clock and night mode
James Montgomery, Digital Development Director, BBC News and Current Affairs, says: “The new international BBC iPlayer Radio app makes it easier for audiences around the world to discover and enjoy the richness of our output – both live radio and to downloaded content.
“We hope that the app will be a destination on mobile homescreens for audiences around the world who want to explore the breadth of BBC radio, from news and current affairs to drama, comedy and music. This launch also comes at a time when the UK is at the centre of a huge news story which the BBC is helping to explain to audiences worldwide.”
Mary Hockaday, Controller BBC World Service English, says: “We have a valued audience of 66 million globally for the English BBC World Service. I’m thrilled the new BBC iPlayer Radio app offers another way for listeners around the world to find and enjoy our programmes, and take them with them wherever they go. With this app, we hope to give new audiences the chance to unlock a wealth of World Service content, as they explore what the BBC iPlayer Radio has got to offer.”
The BBC iPlayer Radio app is available today in Ireland for iOS, Android and Amazon devices and it will gradually roll out to other parts of the world.