The BBC iPlayer currently only supports streaming of radio shows and now it would appear that the BBC will be offering downloading of radio shows on their BBC iPlayer application from 2014.
The reason that this has not been available so far is that radio show downloads on the BBC iPlayer needed approval from the BBC Trust, the approval has now been granted.
Currently, for BBC radio catch-up programmes other than podcasts, the audience can only listen to such content on iPlayer as audio streams for up to seven days after the original broadcast. The proposal approved by the Trust brings radio in line with TV by giving listeners seven days to download catch-up content, 30 days to store it before opening and, once opened, seven days to listen.
The Trust has carried out an assessment of the significance of the proposal and has also sought advice from Ofcom. The Trust’s assessment and Ofcom’s advice can be found below.
The BBC expects the extended downloads offer to be available in 2014.
Benefits of Downloading Radio Shows
The ability to download radio shows on the BBC iPlayer will bring numerous benefits to listeners. One of the primary advantages is the flexibility it offers. Listeners will no longer be constrained by the seven-day streaming window. Instead, they can download their favorite shows and listen to them at their convenience, even without an internet connection. This is particularly beneficial for those who travel frequently or have limited access to the internet.
Moreover, the extended storage period of 30 days before opening the downloaded content provides ample time for users to manage their listening schedules. Once opened, the seven-day listening window ensures that users have enough time to enjoy the content without feeling rushed. This new feature aligns the radio services more closely with the existing TV download options on the iPlayer, creating a more unified and user-friendly experience.
Impact on Content Consumption
The introduction of radio downloads on the BBC iPlayer is expected to have a significant impact on how audiences consume content. With the convenience of offline listening, it is likely that more people will engage with radio shows, leading to an increase in overall listenership. This could also encourage the production of more diverse and high-quality radio content, as the demand for downloadable shows grows.
Additionally, this move could set a precedent for other streaming services to follow suit, potentially leading to a broader industry shift towards offering downloadable content. As more platforms adopt similar features, the way audiences interact with media could evolve, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and convenience.
As yet there are no details on exactly when in 2014 radio downloads will be available on the BBC iPlayer, we will keep you updated on when the service will launch next year.
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