BBC News is now available to stream live on YouTube in the UK and the US. While BBC News has offered a dedicated YouTube channel for some time now, the new stream makes it possible for viewers to tune in and watch live at any time.
What You Need to Know
- BBC News is now trialing a live stream on YouTube in both the UK and the US.
- The expansion builds on earlier launches in countries like Australia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Poland.
- Following the 2024 launch of the network’s FAST channel, today’s launch is designed to target younger, digital-first audiences.
Availability of the BBC News live stream began today (Oct. 15) and is currently in a trial status. Those interested in checking out the network’s international and domestic news can access the live stream directly through the BBC News YouTube channel.
According to the BBC, the launch of the live stream is part of the network’s grander plan to reach a wider audience. In particular, younger, digital-first audiences.
“Audiences increasingly expect news to be available wherever they are, on the platforms they use throughout their day. Launching the BBC News channel on YouTube in the UK and US is an important step in bringing our trusted journalism to even more people. It will make it easier for audiences to access live coverage of the stories shaping our world, while helping us reach new audiences in the places and at the times that work best for them,” said Anjali Kapoor, Director, AI, Innovation and Growth for BBC News.
Following today’s launch, the U.S. and UK join a growing list of countries where BBC News is available to watch live on YouTube. Previous launches saw the channel becoming available to stream in Australia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Poland.
“It is an incredible milestone that YouTube’s audiences in the UK, US, Australia, Kenya, Nigeria and Poland can now access BBC’s live news channel, making trusted news even more accessible to a new generation of digital first viewers,” said Alison Lomax, YouTube UK Managing Director says.
The launch of the YouTube live stream also follows the 2024 launch of the BBC News free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channel.
Operated in partnership with AMC Global Media, the FAST channel is available on a variety of free platforms, including Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, and Xumo Play.
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