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What a disappointment

(12 Posts)
NanKate Wed 08-May-19 14:46:59

Radio BBC sounds is really disappointing IMO.

I used to have the Radio BBC iPlayer which was an excellent way to listen to Drama, such as Adrian Mole.

The new BBC Sounds no longer lists the dramas alphabetically or date wise as they did on IPlayer they come in a higledy piggeldy order.

They make it very difficult to contact anyone at the BBC with a complaint about it but when I did they said they were trying to set up this new app and it would take time. That was before Xmas and still you get episode 5 of a programme next to episode 1. Eventually I find a series with all its episodes but it is so complicated I can’t remember how to do it each time.

When an episode of Adrian Mole finished yesterday it immediately jumped onto an episode of the Archers.

Anyone managed to crack the code for this dreadful App working easily ?

Moocow Wed 08-May-19 16:15:12

Nope! All I can say is you are not alone. I did a couple of their surveys that occassionally pop up but stopped as they aren't really any use for saying please change back. As a result I do not use it as much as I did from frustrating time wasting.

MrsJamJam Wed 08-May-19 16:59:24

if I try to find anything on the new app I generally give up and go back to iPlayer radio. Once they switch that off I shall just have to give up trying to do things on catch up and just stick to radio 4 as usual!

Justme67 Wed 08-May-19 17:04:20

Thank goodness I do not have an "app"

chelseababy Wed 08-May-19 17:26:38

Write to "Feedback" on Radio 4 and let them know what what you think. I'm still hanging on the iplayer but wonder how long it will be available.

NanKate Wed 08-May-19 18:57:07

Thanks I have just found I have the old BBC IPlayer in my Favourites. I will ignore the App. A result for the time being.

NanKate Wed 08-May-19 18:57:58

Thanks Chelsea I will write to Feedback pdq.

granzilla Thu 09-May-19 13:27:45

I'm glad it's not just me.
It's become a chore rather than a pleasure since the new format.I'm no Luddite but change for change sake just feels unnecessary. sad

Floradora9 Fri 10-May-19 10:31:41

I am really enjoying old Desert Island Disks especailly the one featuring Val McDermid . She is so down to earth and natural . I go on holiday soon so stockpiling a few to listen to on the plane plus some audio books from the library. I find this better than watching a film while travelling.

grannyticktock Fri 10-May-19 12:21:43

The app is not available for my Kindle, but I can access Sounds via the website. However, the sound is weaker than on the iPlayer, and I can't actually hear it properly without plugging in an extra speaker. Why do they call it "Sounds" when sound is precisely what's lacking? Fortunately I still have the radio iPlayer, which is fine, and will continue to use that as long as it works.

Another option is available for those who have Alexa on an Echo Dot or similar: it will play programmes from iPlayer if you know exactly what you want and can get it it understand you. I just say, "Alexa, ask BBC to play (eg) The Archers" and off we go!

Day6 Fri 10-May-19 14:02:34

I agree NanKate that Sounds is not a patch on the Iplayer from BBC radio.

I believe they want to attract a younger audience of radio listeners but I think they are barking up the wrong tree. It's the wrong demographic.

I very much doubt that young music fans are tuning in (in droves) to Sounds. Very few are likely to sit and listen - most want interactive technology and have hundreds of apps to choose from.

I know my AC aren't really radio listeners. They have their radios on for peak times programmes - breakfast and returning from work - but it's almost like background noise for them. Their 'listening' preferences can be found on You Tube or apps galore which deliver music, talks, special interest subjects - with videos too.

And before the BBC try to suggest that older listeners are just not au fait with new technology, or likely to be "confused", I'll pip them to the post and with - how dare they! We are their clientele.

I just think we have the sense to say why 'fix' it if it's not broken. Iplayer was easier to navigate and much more efficient in terms of being able to follow all sorts of programmes easily.

Sounds is NOT user-friendly.

NanKate Fri 10-May-19 15:29:40

Well said Day6.