Last year BBC radio phased out the use of the Real Media format on BBC iPlayer. We are aware that this switch over has impacted access to iPlayer radio for some listeners who used third party software not connected with the BBC which utilised Real Media file formats such as the screen reader friendly web browser WebbIE.
Whilst screen reader users can access radio directly from the iPlayer website we do understand that some listeners may prefer to continue using WebbIE. The BBC is therefore in ongoing discussions with the developers of WebbIE to assist where we can in allowing continued access to BBC radio through their application. In the meantime radio programmes are in fact still available through WebbIE but with some small changes.
Users of the WebbIE Live radio application should be able to continue to listen live to BBC radio as before, however you may need to update your version of WebbIE. Please check directly with WebbIE for details.
Users of the WebbIE radio player application used to access listen again BBC radio programmes will also notice some small changes. It is still possible to locate programmes on iPlayer using WebbIE but instead to playing radio directly, WebbIE will now direct you to the iPlayer web page for your radio programme. When this happens simply use your screen reader to select the first level heading on this page (which will be the title of your radio programme) and then keyboard tab once to select the "play/pause button". From here you can play your radio programme.
It is important to note that you need to install the adobe flash player to access television and radio programmes from iPlayer.
The inclusion of a link to an external website from bbc.co.uk should not be understood to be an endorsement of that website or the site's owners (or their products/services).
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Did this answer your question?
Didn't see your answer here?
If you have detailed issues about using BBC iPlayer not covered here, please read our Where can I go to discuss BBC iPlayer? FAQ or you can Contact Us.
