The BBC has announced major changes to its smart TV content for 2020, including axing its dedicated News and Sports apps and bringing its BBC Sounds service to the main screen.
The new BBC Sounds app for smart TVs will give access to “over 80,000 hours of radio, music and podcasts from across the BBC into a personalised experience on your TV.”
The changes, confirmed on Monday by Chief Technology and Product Officer Matthew Postgate, will see the iPlayer become the sole source of all news and sports coverage including “much of the video content that is currently available” in the dedicated apps.
It was also recently announced that the text-based news aspect of the Red Button is being axed, although the multiscreen services offered during major events such as the Proms and Wimbledon will continue.
The broadcaster previously offered radio content on the web, mobiles and TV via the iPlayer before moving it to a dedicated web and mobile iPlayer radio app which is now being removed in favour of BBC Sounds.
