BBC pulls podcasts from Google Podcasts, Assistant, Search, but why?

Google has generally supported podcasts in some fashion for a couple of years now, offering playback via Search, Assistant, and a new, standalone app. Unfortunately, one major podcast producer is now missing from Google’s properties.

The BBC has decided to pull its podcasts from Google Podcasts, Search, and the Assistant, PodNews reported (via XDA-Developers). It noted that the decision seems to have been taken on March 19, and affects all properties.

A BBC spokesperson confirmed the move with the outlet, saying it requires platforms to meet “certain conditions” for its content. More specifically, a spokesperson reportedly said Google needed to sign a license to link to BBC podcasts. Furthermore, the representative said Google was also supposed to share user data with the broadcaster.

Unfortunately, after meeting with Google, the representative said it “has no choice but to stop Google from making podcasts available via Google products.” It’s unclear if other podcast apps have agreed to share user data and signed a license to carry the broadcaster’s podcasts though.

The BBC has also since published a support page, dealing with the changes. On the page, it notes that users can still listen to podcasts via the BBC Sounds app and website, as well as iPlayer Radio. The broadcaster also notes that users can cast podcasts from the iPlayer Radio app to their Google Home device.

Fortunately, the Android Authority Podcast is still available on Google Podcasts, and we just happen to have a link right here!

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