Why BBC and ARD radio stations are no longer available in Audials

Some radio stations may no longer be available for streaming in Audials due to restrictions imposed by the broadcasters. This article explains why BBC and ARD radio streams are affected.

BBC Radio Stations

The BBC has requested that its radio streams no longer be played through Audials. As a result, BBC radio streams are no longer available in the Audials app.

The BBC appears to be directing listeners toward its own services and apps for listening to its radio content.

Unfortunately, we cannot make BBC streams available again unless the broadcaster changes its requirements. Should the BBC permit third-party apps to play its streams again in the future, we would be happy to reconsider their availability in Audials.

ARD radio stations (including NDR, BR, MDR)

As of 1 October 2026, ARD introduced restrictions affecting access to its radio livestreams through third-party aggregators outside Germany. According to the applicable restrictions, these streams are no longer available through Audials for users accessing them from outside Germany.

This affects stations operated by several ARD broadcasters, including:

• NDR (Norddeutscher Rundfunk)
• BR (Bayerischer Rundfunk)
• MDR (Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk)

When attempting to access an affected station, you may receive a message directing you to ardsounds.de.

This message is related to the broadcaster's access restrictions and does not necessarily indicate a problem with your Audials installation.

Unfortunately, these restrictions are determined by the broadcaster and cannot be resolved through Audials settings or a reinstall of the software.

What Can I Do?

• For BBC radio: Please use the BBC's official listening services or app.
• For ARD radio: Please visit ardsounds.de and check the listening options available for your location.
• For other radio stations: You can continue to use Audials to search for and listen to stations that remain available.

We understand that these changes may be disappointing, especially if you regularly listen to these stations using Audials. We appreciate your understanding.