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Podnews Daily - podcast industry news

BBC rules out UK ads in podcasts

Mar 28, 2025
The BBC has decided against including ads in UK podcasts funded by the licence fee, following backlash from the podcast industry. However, it will still feature ads in new UK podcasts not produced by the public service. In other news, Frequency Ads has introduced a Premium Publisher Network for easier access to host-read ads. Additionally, Pocket Casts is launching 'smart folders' to help users organize shows automatically. Stay tuned for insights on the app's popularity in an upcoming report.
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Quick takeaways

  • The BBC will not place ads in licence-fee funded UK podcasts on third-party platforms due to backlash from the industry.
  • Pocket Casts is enhancing user experience by introducing smart folders that automatically organize shows for easier access and listening.

Deep dives

BBC's Advertising Strategy in the UK

The BBC has decided not to proceed with advertising in its UK podcasts after facing backlash from the local podcast industry. This decision means that the BBC will refrain from placing ads in programs funded by the BBC licence fee when hosted on third-party platforms within the UK. However, they will still incorporate advertising in certain UK podcasts that are not produced by the public service. This announcement is set to be further detailed in the upcoming BBC annual plan, highlighting the balance the BBC aims to maintain between funding mechanisms and audience expectations.

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