Changes to live BBC radio streams

[the_bertrum]

Similar to PBS/NPR in the states but different in funding model and distribution policy..

I suppose we shall see if the to be updated stream links can be fished out.

Probably can, but I think there is more to it, something related to the technology:

"(...) If your device does not support protected HLS and DASH streaming technologies (...)"

Yes if the stream is encrypted as is done in commercial Music Services then it becomes device or app-locked and thus difficult to circumvent.

I believe that they would work with us to incorporate the streams if we applied to them for it, but it would probably mean having to embed elements of the "Sounds" app into our interface in truth.  Dunno if the effort would be worth it.  Are the BBC streams very popular outside the UK where we have many other ways we can consume them?

I would think that BBC streams would be popular with UK expats but I'm not sure about popularity among other user groups. 

The Sounds app prolly has data collection, encryption keys etc and thus not compatible with FOSS.

Do you know if they are still going to maintain the 128K MP3 globally accessible streams?

There will definitely be data collection in the sounds app, that's why they want people to use it.  They restrict what you can see based on who/where you are.  The article posted by the OP reads to me as if it is exactly those globally accessible streams that are threatened because they want to stop them being embedded in aggregators or other locations that pre-roll adverts or other things at odd with their mission.  I'm guessing though.  I'll see if I can find out more.