The BBC has decided not to proceed with plans to place ads on some UK podcasts on commercial platforms such as Spotify and Apple.
The move was being considered by BBC Studios to help businesses help by generating more revenue, subject to regulatory approval. The same content continues to be ad-free in BBC Sound.
When the idea came up, there were considerable objections from companies like ITV, Sky, Bauer, Global, and Goalhanger. They sent a joint letter to the Secretary of Culture, saying it was “disastrous” for the UK podcasting industry.
In a statement, the BBC said: “We listen to feedback and consider our options carefully, so we have decided to exclude the placement of advertising in BBC Licence-Fee's funding programme on third-party podcast platforms in the UK.
“We will continue to support the audio sector and the wider market, invest in the best ideas across the UK and develop our production capacity.”
