The BBC should take more risks when producing new programmes if it is to reconnect with viewers and listeners on lower incomes, according to new audience research from UK broadcast regulator Ofcom. In recent years, Ofcom’s research has shown that people in lower socio-economic groups – who account for almost a quarter of the UK […]

In the week of her 40th anniversary working at the BBC, the first female Director of BBC Sport, Barbara Slater, has announced that she will be retiring from the BBC in spring 2024. Slater has transformed BBC Sport during her 14 years in the role. She has changed attitudes and increased the profile and interest […]

The BBC has announced ‘under the hood’ updates to its iPlayer service. There are two key improvements: Rapid availability – The BBC has introduced a bit technology they’re calling pseudo VoD – which ensures programmes are now available to watch on demand on iPlayer much more quickly than they were before. Previously, if viewers missed […]

The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee of the UK House of Commons is to question Lord Birt, former BBC Director General, and Lord Patten, former BBC Trust Chair, on issues relating to BBC impartiality. The one-off session on March 28th follows recent issues culminating with the suspension and reinstatement of Gary Lineker on Match […]

Statements have been issued by Tim Davie, Director-General of the BBC and Gary Lineker confirm that Lineker will return to sports presentation this coming weekend following the BBC announcing that he would “step back” from presenting Match of the Day until there was an “agreed and clear position on his use of social media”. There […]

More than 33 million people listened to BBC Radio stations live each week during the final quarter of 2022, according to new RAJARs. Radio 5 Live boosted its live audience to 5.57 milion with its news and sports content, including Formula 1 and 2022 FIFA World Cup. Radio 4 and its agenda-setting breakfast show, Today, […]

A study by electronics retailer Currys has uncovered which TV theme tune is the most recognised, which one is most nostalgic and whether the UK has become a nation of intro skippers. The study surveyed 2,006 people in the UK to find out what TV theme tune springs to mind when first questioned. It turns […]

Data from the BBC shows there were a total of 364 million plays of all content across radio, podcasts and music mixes on BBC Sounds last quarter and an average weekly audience of 3.8 million across the app, website and voice activated devices. The Christmas Sounds series proved popular last quarter, contributing to a record […]

In 2021 (January to November) there have been 1.3 billion plays of radio, music and podcast on BBC Sounds, an increase of 8 per cent over a similar period in 2020, as listeners enjoy more brilliant BBC audio on their devices. The latest figures from the BBC also show there were 558 million plays of […]