The BBC are one of the most recognised names around the globe when it comes to broadcasting, yet they’ve made the decision to block their content (as well as removing previously published shows) from Google Podcasts.
While some of the cause of the block is understandable in requesting Google sign a licence to distribute BBC works through their platform, but perhaps the surprising note in this is the requirement to share user data with the BBC.
Podnews approached the matter directly and were given a clear response to the content block:
Talking to Podnews, a BBC spokesperson said that Google is required to sign a licence to link to their podcasts; and that the Distribution Policy also requires Google to supply user data to the BBC. There has been a “consultation with Google”, and the BBC “has no choice but to stop Google from making podcasts available via Google products.”
It is a bit shocking that a company the size of BBC would put such stipulations on access to their content such that my response has been to unsubscribe from it on my chosen podcast platform. Afterall, do other podcast aggregators already share user data with the BBC without your knowledge?
Is this a step too far, or do you believe BBC have a right to know who is listening to their content and gain access to your information?
