BBC Asian Network re-launch online feature

The BBC Asian Network is taking full advantage of the digital era by relaunching its “listen again” feature, which allows listeners to hear shows up to seven days after broadcast.

The BBC as a whole has re-launched its Internet ‘Radio Player’ to make almost every BBC radio programme available live and ‘on demand’ for seven days after broadcast, creating a massive, ever-changing library of music, talk shows, drama and documentary.

Latest figures show more than 10 million hours of BBC radio is consumed online per month and, from today, the new Radio Player will offer 500 extra hours programming and offer a range of new features.

The re-launch puts audiences in control of their listening, allowing them to listen at convenient times, control their schedules and fast-forward through programmes while exposing them to new shows – and perhaps whole networks – they otherwise wouldn’t come across.

The improvements follow 30,000 emails received from listeners about the Radio Player since it first launched in June 2002 and record online listening figures.

In addition to the wealth of new programming, the new Radio Player makes it even easier for listeners to navigate, with lists of the most popular programmes and links to allow listeners to click through to any programme related to their favourite genre.

For the first time it will also be possible for listeners to stop a programme at any point, switch off the computer, and then resume listening from that point at any time during the seven days the programme is available. It will also be possible to explore the other content on offer without interrupting the listening experience.