UK radio stations will gain new protections on smart speakers from April 2027, covering access, advertising and how listeners find their stations.
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri have been designated as Radio Selection Services under the Media Act 2024, bringing them within a regulatory framework designed to protect live BBC, commercial and community radio.
The designation also includes newer AI services, such as Alexa+ and Google Gemini, ensuring the requirements extend to updated versions of the major voice assistants.
Under the new rules, designated platforms must take reasonable steps to ensure listeners can reliably access Ofcom licensed UK radio stations through voice commands, without being redirected to competing services.
Platforms will also be prevented from charging broadcasters for carrying their live radio streams or placing their own advertising and other content over those services without permission.
Broadcasters will be able to request a default route for delivering their stations to listeners, giving them greater control over how their live output reaches people using connected devices.
The regulations were confirmed in a parliamentary statement by Media Minister Ian Murray on Thursday 12 November, following recommendations from Ofcom and a government consultation.
Ofcom recommended a designation threshold of 700,000 UK users accessing internet radio through a particular voice assistant, which the government has accepted.
Ian Murray said: “I also hope that it’ll encourage stations to invest in new content and services, allowing them to innovate and grow as they reach their audiences online.”
He added: “Through our Radio Review, we’re looking at how we can make sure that the industry has the right support to thrive long into the future.”
The move addresses growing concerns about the influence of technology platforms over radio distribution, particularly as voice assistants become an established way for listeners to access live broadcasting.
The protections will apply to stations of all sizes, including smaller community broadcasters, which will receive the same safeguards as national radio services when listeners request their stations.
Radiocentre CEO Matt Payton told RadioToday: “This is a welcome step towards safeguarding radio’s future online. As more listening moves to smart speakers, audiences must be able to rely on these devices to play the radio stations they request.
“Including the next generation of AI voice assistants will help keep these vital protections up to date. We look forward to continuing to work with government and Ofcom on the final stages of implementation.”
