UK Archives

BBC Sounds up 8.5% as on-demand listening hits new highs

02/11/2025

BBC Sounds enjoyed a strong summer quarter, recording 675 million plays between July and September 2025 — up 8.5 % year-on-year, according to new BBC figures. The platform saw record podcast engagement, a surge in sports coverage, and continued growth among under-35 audiences, as live radio, on-demand programmes and music mixes all contributed to its best Q3 performance to date. Live radio listening RAJAR data for the same period confirms the BBC remains the UK’s […]

Free music from your local library

29/10/2025

With streaming subscriptions and living costs rising, it’s worth remembering that free music and audio resources are often available right on your doorstep — at your local public library. Across the UK and beyond, library members can access streaming platforms, borrow CDs or vinyl, and even enjoy live performances or curated digital archives. Membership is free for residents in most areas and usually open to workers or students in the local authority’s catchment zone. Physical […]

UK libraries with free music streaming access

29/10/2025

This guide lists UK library services currently providing access to free or library-subsidised music streaming services such as Freegal and Naxos Music Library. Access normally requires a library card and PIN. Availability may change as public library budgets and service contracts evolve, so always check your local authority’s website for the latest details. Library Authority Streaming Services Website address (URL) Barbican Music Library Naxos https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/libraries/barbican-music-library Barnet Libraries Freegal https://www.barnet.gov.uk/libraries Bournemouth Music Library Naxos https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/libraries/bournemouth-music-library/access-music-online-using-your-library-account Bromley […]

Video Podcasts Are Taking Off in the US

23/09/2025

The Rise of Video Podcasts Podcasting used to be synonymous with audio. People listened while commuting, exercising, or cooking — the appeal was hands-free, voice-only storytelling. But that’s changing fast. According to Edison Research’s Podcast Consumer 2025, more than half of Americans aged 12+ have now watched a video podcast, and over a third have done so in just the last month. Younger audiences in particular are blurring the line between “podcast” and “show,” expecting […]

Top 25 UK Podcasts for Q2 2025 revealed

29/08/2025

The Top 25 UK podcasts for Q2 2025 chart according to Edison Podcast Metrics has been published by Edison Research. Edison Podcast Metrics UK, the only podcast measurement service that measures the relative audience size and demographics of all podcasts and podcast networks in the UK. The Edison Podcast Metrics Top 25 UK Podcasts of Q2 2025 list is derived from data collected continuously during the second quarter of 2025, interviewing podcast consumers aged 15 and […]

Eirewave Radio

13/07/2025

Eirewave is a UK-based pop and rock music radio station with terrestrial DAB transmitters in Belfast and Derry plus an internet radio presence with availability on the UK Radioplayer, smart speakers and devices, various radio aggregators and via direct streaming links. There are also iOS and Android apps. The station has 128kbps MP3 and 64kbps AAC (although foobar measures it at 320kbps?) stream links. For a while they trialled a CD Quality Lossless FLAC stream […]

Top 25 UK Podcasts for Q1 2025

28/05/2025

The Top 25 UK podcasts for Q1 2025 chart according to Edison Podcast Metrics has been published by Edison Research. Edison Podcast Metrics UK, the only podcast measurement service that measures the relative audience size and demographics of all podcasts and podcast networks in the UK. The Edison Podcast Metrics Top 25 UK Podcasts of Q1 2025 list is derived from data collected continuously during the first quarter of 2025, interviewing podcast consumers aged 15 and […]