📍 🇬🇧 UK
BBC World Service
About BBC World Service
BBC World Service is the BBC’s global radio operation, broadcasting news and talk programming in more than 40 languages to audiences across every major region of the world. It streams online and reaches listeners through shortwave, satellite, DAB, FM, and several other platforms. In 2024 it averaged 450 million listeners a week, a figure that puts it ahead of any other international broadcaster by a significant margin.
The programming is built around news, current affairs, and discussion rather than music. If you want to know what is happening somewhere and why, this is the station most likely to have a correspondent already there. The reach across languages and regions means coverage that most national broadcasters simply cannot match.
The online stream runs as a 56 kbps MP3, which is modest but perfectly clear for speech. You can listen free through this page or through the BBC’s own site at bbc.co.uk. No subscription, no sign-in required.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I listen to BBC World Service online?
Stream it free at bbc.co.uk/programmes/w172xzjgf6lxp7y in MP3 format at 56 kbps, or tune in via shortwave, FM, DAB, satellite, or podcasting depending on your location.
What languages does BBC World Service broadcast in?
More than 40 languages, making it the world's largest external broadcaster by language selection and global reach.
Is BBC World Service free to listen to?
Yes, it's free. The BBC World Service is a public service broadcaster funded by the UK.
What kind of content does BBC World Service air?
News, speech, and discussions. It focuses on radio journalism and current affairs rather than music.
How many people listen to BBC World Service?
It reaches an average of 450 million people a week globally, making it the world's largest external broadcaster by audience reach.
What format and bitrate is BBC World Service streamed at?
MP3 format at 56 kbps for online streaming.
Where is BBC World Service based?
The United Kingdom. It's owned and operated by the BBC as a British public service broadcaster.
Station info
Country
🇬🇧 UK
Bitrate
56 kbps
Format
MP3
Language
english
Status
🟢 Live