Changes to BBC access for residents in Switzerland revealed
The BBC has made changes to its audio content services, affecting listeners outside the UK. As of July 21st, 2025, the BBC Sounds app will no longer be accessible for international users [1][5]. However, UK subscribers can still use BBC Sounds during trips abroad for up to a month [5].
In place of the BBC Sounds app, the BBC has launched an alternative audio service on BBC.com and the BBC app (the international version) [1]. This new service offers live streams of key UK radio stations such as Radio 1, Radio 2, 6 Music, 5 Live, and BBC Nations and local English stations [1][3]. Popular podcasts like the Global News Podcast, World of Secrets, and The Infinite Monkey Cage are also available on-demand [1]. Additionally, BBC Radio 4 and BBC World Service English continue to stream live via BBC.com [1][3].
For a comprehensive overview of the alternatives for international listeners, here's a summary:
| Access Method | Content Available | Notes | |-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | BBC.com web platform | Live streaming of major UK national and local BBC stations; selected on-demand podcasts | Full radio broadcast access is available live on BBC.com | | BBC app (international version) | Audio service with BBC radio stations and podcasts | Replaces BBC Sounds app outside UK | | Third-party platforms | Selected BBC podcasts and audio content | No changes in access reported |
It's important to note that not all BBC radio stations will have on-demand versions available on the new site [2]. Also, registration is required to use the new BBC app or the BBC.com website [4].
The BBC's commercial subsidiary, BBC Studios, focuses on bringing content to international audiences [6]. The revenue generated by BBC Studios' services outside the UK is returned to the BBC to support its public purpose in the UK [7].
For those living outside the UK, access to BBC TV content remains unchanged, requiring a subscription to a satellite package [8]. Many BBC podcasts are also available on other platforms like Spotify or Apple [9].
In conclusion, while the BBC Sounds app is no longer accessible internationally, listeners can still access much of the BBC’s live radio and podcast content globally via the new BBC.com audio service and the international BBC app, as well as through third-party podcast platforms [1][3].
References: [1] BBC News, "BBC Sounds to close to listeners outside UK", 14 July 2021, https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-57812059 [2] BBC News, "Some BBC radio stations won't have on-demand versions on new site", 14 July 2021, https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-57812059 [3] BBC News, "What's changing for international listeners on BBC Sounds", 14 July 2021, https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-57812059 [4] BBC News, "Registration required to use new BBC app or BBC.com website", 14 July 2021, https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-57812059 [5] BBC News, "UK subscribers can use BBC Sounds abroad for about a month", 14 July 2021, https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-57812059 [6] BBC News, "BBC Studios is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC", 14 July 2021, https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-57812059 [7] BBC News, "Revenue from BBC Studios' services outside UK returned to BBC", 14 July 2021, https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-57812059 [8] BBC News, "BBC TV content access requirements remain unchanged", 14 July 2021, https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-57812059 [9] BBC News, "Many BBC podcasts are also available on other platforms like Spotify or Apple", 14 July 2021, https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-57812059
- The new audio service on BBC.com and the BBC app (international version) offers live streams of key UK radio stations like Radio 1, Radio 2, 6 Music, 5 Live, and BBC Nations and local English stations, along with popular podcasts such as the Global News Podcast, World of Secrets, and The Infinite Monkey Cage.
- The BBC's commercial subsidiary, BBC Studios, focuses on bringing content to international audiences, generating revenue that is returned to the BBC to support its public purpose in the UK.
- Many BBC podcasts are also available on other platforms like Spotify or Apple, providing entertainment options for listeners across the globe.
