The BBC’s plans to run adverts on its podcasts would have a “disastrous impact” on the UK media market, the companies have warned.
The broadcaster shared plans to run advertising on your podcasts and on-demand audio that play on third-party platforms such as Spotify in March.
A group of 20 media companies – including Sky – have now signed an open letter addressed to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, saying the move could set “a dangerous precedent”.
In the letter, they say: “The BBC has vast funds to create content for its audience and is not driven by commercial success, but rather by a mandate to act in the public interest, to inform, educate and entertain.
“The impact of extracting audio advertising funds from the nascent UK podcasting market would be disastrous, especially for the numerous small independent podcast producers.”
Other signatories include TVI, Channel 4News UK, DMG Media, Reach plc and Goalhanger Podcasts – which was co-founded by the BBC presenter Gary Lineker and produces programs such as The Rest Is Politics and The Rest Is History.
In its annual plan, BBC Studios said that “ads are the norm” on third-party platforms, and added that the plans aim to “generate more revenue to support the BBC, license payers, our suppliers and rights holders”.
It added: “We will ensure these plans meet our regulatory requirements and that all content will remain ad-free on BBC Sounds.”
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Last week, Conservative MP Andy Carter said in the House of Commons that those who don’t use BBC Sounds would be “in effect paying twice” for the plans.
He said: “The BBC is unfairly forcing license fee payers to choose between ad-free listening on BBC Sounds or their preferred podcast platform.
“Listeners should have the right to access BBC audio content, such as Desert Island Discs, through any means they choose.”
Sky News has contacted the BBC for comment.
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