BBC to Limit Access to Its Content to Listeners Outside the UK

The British public broadcaster BBC announced on Thursday that it will limit access to much of its content to listeners outside the UK from the spring.

The changes will take place mainly on the public broadcaster's audio and podcast platform, BBC Sounds, since the use of its website and mobile application will be restricted to British territory, according to a statement.

Instead, for listeners abroad, the BBC has opened an advertising-funded service on BBC.com and the BBC app, with a selection of more than a thousand current and archive podcasts in English and stations such as BBC Radio 4 and World Service.

“Due to rights limitations, not all BBC content is available to overseas users. This includes the BBC's music radio stations and some podcasts,” the broadcaster said on its website.

Among the reasons for the decision, the BBC said that BBC Sounds is a service funded by the United Kingdom and that it will reposition itself exclusively in the country, to “offer greater value” to British listeners.