“We are pushing the boundaries as far as we can with our custom skill but Amazon does not make features such as alarms and multi-room playback available to custom skills. We will continue to work with Amazon to find a solution.”
so this is an Amazon restriction on BBC Sounds and nothing to do with the BBC. It is a great shame that some users launch into an attack on the BBC for something the BBC has no control over.
I think it is a pity the both sides could not agree a solution. They both have very technically competent people working for their organisations so it within their gift.
IMO, BBC have a reputation of "upgrading" their software preventing it from working on older devices, without considering how it impacts their listeners. They are making their digital content harder to access. Amazon, continue to release new devices at breakneck speed and could do better by making their software less clunky and offer all of their features in the UK. I wish Amazon would concentrate their efforts improving the software
I can remember when the BBC was a leader in expanding things, Teletext, NICAM, digital broadcast.
Now we have this change - I'm worried as a Sonos user as much as an Echo user, and I see the number of comments on the blog has continued to grow. A while back they decided to change the streaming system for internet radios, and there is also mention of them investing in voice control. The rollout of UHD TV seems to be forever in the trial phase, and the red button service is ending.
They are making their digital content harder to access.
With BBC Sounds they have dramatically expanded the range of their content and made it even more accessible with catchup, “box sets”, podcasts, playlists, subscribe to programmes etc. This knocks the iPlayer Radio into a cocked hat.
what irks is that BBC Sounds has not suddenly been foisted upon us (it’s been around since last November) with no warning and has given streaming providers (for this I mean Echo and Sonos et al) plenty of opportunity to do something about it. As explained by the BBC it is Amazon’s restrictions that has impacted the functionality of a Amazon device. The key is A AMAZON DEVICE. Whilst working together is always a solution it is Amazon’s responsibility to get the functionality on their own device. The BBC has nothing at all to do with it as you can still listen to the BBC on an echo.
and remember, this problem, and the ultimate culprit, has arisen because TuneIn will not share anonymous data.
according to the Beeb “From Monday 16 September, iPlayer Radio users will see a message that says it will be closing and that BBC Sounds is now the one place for all BBC audio. This will be followed in due course by a message to say that the app has now closed, and people won’t be able to use iPlayer Radio from this point.” This is a bit odd as iPlayer Radio works quite happily on my devices.
Indeed it is. But the thread is actually about not being able to use the new BBC in routines and alarms. You can still listen to the beeb.
the majority of complaints on the BBC site relate to third party use of the service. A situation that the BBC has no control over. IPlayer Radio is relevant because that too is being scrapped as the Beeb consolidate their platforms. Iplayer has undergone significant changes during this period too e.g. 4K broadcasts. These changes are relevant for the whole service that the BBC provides so that people may be prepared or just do not know what is on offer or are plain indifferent to it.
so a third party, aka TuneIn, refusing to provide info the BBC wants is NOT the BBC’s fault which is why they are pulling the service for selected UK streams - as is clearly explained by the BBC. Why all those complainants, who no doubt have not bothered to a to read the notice, blame the BBC is beyond me. Bombard TuneIn with complaints instead.
remember. The pain is not having the beeb as an alarm on a THIRD PARTY service and the BBC changes ONLY affect routines and alarms on a THIRD PARTY service. Why is this this BBC’s fault?
As explained by the BBC it is Amazon’s restrictions that has impacted the functionality of a Amazon device. The key is A AMAZON DEVICE. Whilst working together is always a solution it is Amazon’s responsibility to get the functionality on their own device. The BBC has nothing at all to do with it as you can still listen to the BBC on an echo.
and remember, this problem, and the ultimate culprit, has arisen because TuneIn will not share anonymous data.
according to the Beeb “From Monday 16 September, iPlayer Radio users will see a message that says it will be closing and that BBC Sounds is now the one place for all BBC audio. This will be followed in due course by a message to say that the app has now closed, and people won’t be able to use iPlayer Radio from this point.” This is a bit odd as iPlayer Radio works quite happily on my devices.
Whilst I am generally a fan of the BBC too, on this occasion (and others) they have created the problem, a problem that did not exist until the BBC decided to change what was important i.e. the collection of data. BBC don't collect data when I listen on FM or DAB, so why is it suddenly so necessary when I listen when using my internet connection.
Yes Amazon could up their game, why can't skills be used in routines & alarms? People have been asking for this feature and many others, but it would appear Amazon are too busy launching new hardware rather than making the software reliable, user friendly and feature rich.
We all have to wait for Amazon to bring out features that would make the product more useful - the BBC should get in line like the rest of us.
I hard;y ever have issues with bbc radio via tunein on echo. Multi room audio is solid. If I just ‘play radio 2’ which normally comes with the ‘bbc sounds’ sting - so presumably the bbc skill - it often cuts out after about half an hour.
‘this is a combination of
- bbc pulling their stations from tunein - pushing for their bbc account and wanting data and upsetting many users
- amazon limiting multi room, routines, alarms to very few skills.
doesnt look like bbc will change their approach so hopefully they can do a deal with amazon to get access to at least alarms, and hopefully multi room. If I have to wake up with commercial radio much longer I would actually consider going out and buying a cheap FM clock radio
But the BBC blog includes Echo in the Tunein devices losing BBC, it says "Meanwhile, those of you with Amazon Echo speakers or many other devices which support Alexa can access BBC radio stations via the BBC’s Alexa skill". For Sonos however it says "We will also continue to provide BBC live radio steams via TuneIn on Sonos speakers – while we explore alternative options for enabling the playback of BBC radio on these devices in a way that ensures you get maximum value from your licence fee"
My problem is that the BBC skill will not work on my Echo dot full stop - it never has. I used Tunein but now I cannot access BBC on the Echo at all. Any ideas guys?
"Alexa play BBC radio xxx" mentions BBC Sounds as it starts, so although I didnt explicitly invoke the BBC skill I suspect it's now the default.
In which case if Tunein is disabled then you probably need to enable the BBC skill to listen to BBC radio The skill ought to link to your BBC account OK, so its worth trying again.
No, it’s just not having it. Alexa simply does not recognise BBC in my Echo Dot. The only thing I used my Echo Dot for now no longer works and no one is able to solve this problem.
So are we to presume that with effect from 1st October 2019, BBC Radio stations are no longer accessible through the Amazon Echo or Dot? Back to Commercial Radio then.... Can Amazon please at least respond to these forums and give some indication as to whether we will ever be able to access BBC Sounds?
It looks like the only way of streaming via Alexa is through the BBC Sounds "skill".
The BBC sounds skill lacks the ability to play via another device, in my case Sonos. So it's possible to play BBC radio via the skill via the speaker in your amazon device and it's also possible to play BBC radio via the Sonos app. It's stopped being possible to invoke BBC radio via the command "Alexa play BBC radio XX in the XX".
I guess the Sonos with built in Alexa still works?
It's probably possible to get an IFTTT applet to do this now. I'll take a look later and post if it's successful.
I always ask Alexa "play BBC Radio 2 on Alexa in the Kitchen" (or bedroom). Up until today it has taken a few minutes but eventually works. This morning, she plays a random radio station when asked to play any of the BBC Radio channels. If I ask her what station she is playing she states "This is Radio 2" but it isn't !!
My app states shows Radio 2 but dots are constant like it's trying to connect.
I already have the skill enabled and it is linked to my BBC account ! I have no problem accessing the BBC news and World Service when I ask for the news.
I've done the above and am now just waiting..... I shall post again if it ever comes on!
I'm afraid these changes are as bad as are being posted. The full O/P issue list I was not able to test, e.g. alarms etc, but its been pointed out a problem with Sonos and I that I can try and it doesnt work - the BBC skill doesnt work outputting to a Sonos
Previously I could say "Alexa play bbc radio XXX in Kitchen" - probably because it was using the Sonos skill
Recently if I said "Alexa play bcc radio XXX" it played on the echo possibly recently using the BBC skill
But now I cant say "Alexa play bbc radio XXX in Kitchen" because the Tunein route has been stopped by the BBC
So everyone - except us license paying customers - are to blame - the BBC for removing the BBC from tunein in UK and Sonos/Amazon/BBC for the BBC skill not working in the same way including remoting to a Sonos speaker.
The problem with the fullscreen clock affected US side and they helped get it fixed - we've no chance with this problem.
Whilst I am generally a fan of the BBC too, on this occasion (and others) they have created the problem, a problem that did not exist until the BBC decided to change what was important i.e. the collection of data. BBC don't collect data when I listen on FM or DAB, so why is it suddenly so necessary when I listen when using my internet connection.
Yes Amazon could up their game, why can't skills be used in routines & alarms? People have been asking for this feature and many others, but it would appear Amazon are too busy launching new hardware rather than making the software reliable, user friendly and feature rich.
We all have to wait for Amazon to bring out features that would make the product more useful - the BBC should get in line like the rest of us.
couldn't agree more. My clock radio alarm works perfectly and always has done. I keep it because I do not trust a internet alarm for anything where I must get up. Listening/viewing choices have changed dramatically with streaming and data collection allows planning, content etc. The bbc now offer a almost complete access to their content, which has been requested for a very long time - just as the major changes in iPlayer and the beeb working behind the scenes to get a lot of that content valuable for a year instead of 30 days.
all streaming services collect data so the BBC is no different to anyone else to get an understanding of what content to provide and when instead of guessing. TuneIn is just a host for streams but itself must collect data as to what services are being requested, and I assume that TuneIn charges providers for providing the portal to their content. A bad analogy is paying someone to do your shopping but they refuse to tell you what shops they went in.
you hit the very big nail disguised as an elephant that skills can’t be used in routines which, as you say, is firmly in Amazon’s court but...you can listen to the bbc in a Echo. So the beeb haven’t changed anything except greatly expand what you can listen to. It’s great wandering about the place listening to some podcasts or a serial or a book without having to sit by the “radio” waiting for it to come on on a day I’d rather be doing something else.
as a bit of wild supposition Amazon may be resisting such implementation because of privacy concerns (not wanting a HUGE fine). But the only resolution is for Amazon to do something about it. The beeb are more than happy to work with them. Let’s come from the other side of a rant. Why are the beeb wasting my licence fee messing about with the likes of Amazon et al so the “some” listeners can switch their radio on at a set time using a third party internet device. Why are the beeb wasting my licence fee supporting two platforms just so “some” listeners can switch their radio on at a set time using a third party internet device.
my position is not so much a beeb fan and anything they do is right but why is the beeb being attacked for something they have no control over just because a third party will not do something for their paying customers. And consider that skills, as well as the beeb, are in the same boat.
it’s hardly that the beeb is the only radio station you can use to wake you up...
But the BBC blog includes Echo in the Tunein devices losing BBC, it says "Meanwhile, those of you with Amazon Echo speakers or many other devices which support Alexa can access BBC radio stations via the BBC’s Alexa skill". For Sonos however it says "We will also continue to provide BBC live radio steams via TuneIn on Sonos speakers – while we explore alternative options for enabling the playback of BBC radio on these devices in a way that ensures you get maximum value from your licence fee"
So are we to presume that with effect from 1st October 2019, BBC Radio stations are no longer accessible through the Amazon Echo or Dot? Back to Commercial Radio then.... Can Amazon please at least respond to these forums and give some indication as to whether we will ever be able to access BBC Sounds?
you presume incorrectly. Please read the BBC announcement helpfully linked to in the very first post.
It looks like the only way of streaming via Alexa is through the BBC Sounds "skill".
The BBC sounds skill lacks the ability to play via another device, in my case Sonos. So it's possible to play BBC radio via the skill via the speaker in your amazon device and it's also possible to play BBC radio via the Sonos app. It's stopped being possible to invoke BBC radio via the command "Alexa play BBC radio XX in the XX".
I guess the Sonos with built in Alexa still works?
It's probably possible to get an IFTTT applet to do this now. I'll take a look later and post if it's successful.
Works just fine on Sonos for me. It still uses TuneIn.
i use a short routines and both work on both Alexa and Google. (E.g. “alexa kitchen” = “alexa play radio 2 from tunein on kitchen”)
google works to the spoken “hey google play radio two on kitchen” (it seems to have learned that beeb 2 is from tunein)
alexa works to the spoken “play bbc radio two on kitchen” (but have to put “bbc” in)
for alexa by itself it warns you that you should log in on the bbc skill
i suspect that the beeb will happily work with Sonos to get the new version implemented - podcasts etc have been requested on the Sonos site for years.
I always ask Alexa "play BBC Radio 2 on Alexa in the Kitchen" (or bedroom). Up until today it has taken a few minutes but eventually works. This morning, she plays a random radio station when asked to play any of the BBC Radio channels. If I ask her what station she is playing she states "This is Radio 2" but it isn't !!
My app states shows Radio 2 but dots are constant like it's trying to connect.
I've asked her to enable BBC.
Go into the Alexa app to check the BBC skill has been set up and then log into the skill. You need to set up a BBC account.
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From Monday 30th Sept 2019 the BBC will no longer be available via TuneIn. Whilst you can use the BBC skill, you will lose some features
Read more here
https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/aboutthebbc/entries/37e4e3f6-fbd2-4c14-8d72-7f7139641582
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/1183943/Amazon-Echo-BBC-Radio-Stop-Working
great post mr a.
A crucial part of the BBC info is
“We are pushing the boundaries as far as we can with our custom skill but Amazon does not make features such as alarms and multi-room playback available to custom skills. We will continue to work with Amazon to find a solution.”
so this is an Amazon restriction on BBC Sounds and nothing to do with the BBC. It is a great shame that some users launch into an attack on the BBC for something the BBC has no control over.
press Amazon to make it work.
Where the BBC might carry a share of responsibility is in forcing BBC Sounds on to everyone, discontinuing the popular iplayer radio service.
=========================================================================================================================
Disappointed when I see "answers" that seem to have been posted purely to wind-up others or to create conflict, rather than to actually help anyone.
Link to Contact Amazon Customer Service. ;
I think it is a pity the both sides could not agree a solution. They both have very technically competent people working for their organisations so it within their gift.
IMO, BBC have a reputation of "upgrading" their software preventing it from working on older devices, without considering how it impacts their listeners. They are making their digital content harder to access. Amazon, continue to release new devices at breakneck speed and could do better by making their software less clunky and offer all of their features in the UK. I wish Amazon would concentrate their efforts improving the software
I can remember when the BBC was a leader in expanding things, Teletext, NICAM, digital broadcast.
Now we have this change - I'm worried as a Sonos user as much as an Echo user, and I see the number of comments on the blog has continued to grow. A while back they decided to change the streaming system for internet radios, and there is also mention of them investing in voice control. The rollout of UHD TV seems to be forever in the trial phase, and the red button service is ending.
With BBC Sounds they have dramatically expanded the range of their content and made it even more accessible with catchup, “box sets”, podcasts, playlists, subscribe to programmes etc. This knocks the iPlayer Radio into a cocked hat.
what irks is that BBC Sounds has not suddenly been foisted upon us (it’s been around since last November) with no warning and has given streaming providers (for this I mean Echo and Sonos et al) plenty of opportunity to do something about it. As explained by the BBC it is Amazon’s restrictions that has impacted the functionality of a Amazon device. The key is A AMAZON DEVICE. Whilst working together is always a solution it is Amazon’s responsibility to get the functionality on their own device. The BBC has nothing at all to do with it as you can still listen to the BBC on an echo.
and remember, this problem, and the ultimate culprit, has arisen because TuneIn will not share anonymous data.
according to the Beeb “From Monday 16 September, iPlayer Radio users will see a message that says it will be closing and that BBC Sounds is now the one place for all BBC audio. This will be followed in due course by a message to say that the app has now closed, and people won’t be able to use iPlayer Radio from this point.” This is a bit odd as iPlayer Radio works quite happily on my devices.
Sorry mate, but I think this thread is about the Tunein situation not iplayer radio. I haven't checked all 600+ comments on https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/aboutthebbc/entries/37e4e3f6-fbd2-4c14-8d72-7f7139641582 but somehow I doubt if many support your view.
So......is it Amazon or BBC that prevent me from hearing stereo via BBC Sounds on my Alexa?
I assume you have tried all the "turn off then on again", "reset your Echo", stuff.
Indeed it is. But the thread is actually about not being able to use the new BBC in routines and alarms. You can still listen to the beeb.
the majority of complaints on the BBC site relate to third party use of the service. A situation that the BBC has no control over. IPlayer Radio is relevant because that too is being scrapped as the Beeb consolidate their platforms. Iplayer has undergone significant changes during this period too e.g. 4K broadcasts. These changes are relevant for the whole service that the BBC provides so that people may be prepared or just do not know what is on offer or are plain indifferent to it.
so a third party, aka TuneIn, refusing to provide info the BBC wants is NOT the BBC’s fault which is why they are pulling the service for selected UK streams - as is clearly explained by the BBC. Why all those complainants, who no doubt have not bothered to a to read the notice, blame the BBC is beyond me. Bombard TuneIn with complaints instead.
remember. The pain is not having the beeb as an alarm on a THIRD PARTY service and the BBC changes ONLY affect routines and alarms on a THIRD PARTY service. Why is this this BBC’s fault?
:-)
obviously something isn’t working at the Amazon end.
i wonder how Google users fare.
Whilst I am generally a fan of the BBC too, on this occasion (and others) they have created the problem, a problem that did not exist until the BBC decided to change what was important i.e. the collection of data. BBC don't collect data when I listen on FM or DAB, so why is it suddenly so necessary when I listen when using my internet connection.
Yes Amazon could up their game, why can't skills be used in routines & alarms? People have been asking for this feature and many others, but it would appear Amazon are too busy launching new hardware rather than making the software reliable, user friendly and feature rich.
We all have to wait for Amazon to bring out features that would make the product more useful - the BBC should get in line like the rest of us.
I hard;y ever have issues with bbc radio via tunein on echo. Multi room audio is solid. If I just ‘play radio 2’ which normally comes with the ‘bbc sounds’ sting - so presumably the bbc skill - it often cuts out after about half an hour.
‘this is a combination of
- bbc pulling their stations from tunein - pushing for their bbc account and wanting data and upsetting many users
- amazon limiting multi room, routines, alarms to very few skills.
doesnt look like bbc will change their approach so hopefully they can do a deal with amazon to get access to at least alarms, and hopefully multi room. If I have to wake up with commercial radio much longer I would actually consider going out and buying a cheap FM clock radio
mrklaw,
..Will invoke the native TuneIn skill ..then the stream from TuneIn is announced with the "BBC sounds" ident.
To use the BBC skill you have to first invoke BBC with "Alexa, start the BBC." or apparently; "Alexa, open the BBC"
But the BBC blog includes Echo in the Tunein devices losing BBC, it says "Meanwhile, those of you with Amazon Echo speakers or many other devices which support Alexa can access BBC radio stations via the BBC’s Alexa skill". For Sonos however it says "We will also continue to provide BBC live radio steams via TuneIn on Sonos speakers – while we explore alternative options for enabling the playback of BBC radio on these devices in a way that ensures you get maximum value from your licence fee"
My problem is that the BBC skill will not work on my Echo dot full stop - it never has. I used Tunein but now I cannot access BBC on the Echo at all. Any ideas guys?
"Alexa play BBC radio xxx" mentions BBC Sounds as it starts, so although I didnt explicitly invoke the BBC skill I suspect it's now the default.
In which case if Tunein is disabled then you probably need to enable the BBC skill to listen to BBC radio The skill ought to link to your BBC account OK, so its worth trying again.
No, it’s just not having it. Alexa simply does not recognise BBC in my Echo Dot. The only thing I used my Echo Dot for now no longer works and no one is able to solve this problem.
So are we to presume that with effect from 1st October 2019, BBC Radio stations are no longer accessible through the Amazon Echo or Dot? Back to Commercial Radio then.... Can Amazon please at least respond to these forums and give some indication as to whether we will ever be able to access BBC Sounds?
Simo67uk,
Is the BBC skill enabled?
What exact words have you been saying in your requests? What does it show in the history?
It looks like the only way of streaming via Alexa is through the BBC Sounds "skill".
The BBC sounds skill lacks the ability to play via another device, in my case Sonos. So it's possible to play BBC radio via the skill via the speaker in your amazon device and it's also possible to play BBC radio via the Sonos app. It's stopped being possible to invoke BBC radio via the command "Alexa play BBC radio XX in the XX".
I guess the Sonos with built in Alexa still works?
It's probably possible to get an IFTTT applet to do this now. I'll take a look later and post if it's successful.
peterhowe7720,
May I answer your question for myself?
I always ask Alexa "play BBC Radio 2 on Alexa in the Kitchen" (or bedroom). Up until today it has taken a few minutes but eventually works. This morning, she plays a random radio station when asked to play any of the BBC Radio channels. If I ask her what station she is playing she states "This is Radio 2" but it isn't !!
My app states shows Radio 2 but dots are constant like it's trying to connect.
I've asked her to enable BBC.
LizzieMo,
First, enable the BBC skill in skills. This will require you to provide log into the BBC.
Then say "Alexa, open the BBC."
peterhowe7720
Thank you for your response.
I already have the skill enabled and it is linked to my BBC account ! I have no problem accessing the BBC news and World Service when I ask for the news.
I've done the above and am now just waiting..... I shall post again if it ever comes on!
I'm afraid these changes are as bad as are being posted. The full O/P issue list I was not able to test, e.g. alarms etc, but its been pointed out a problem with Sonos and I that I can try and it doesnt work - the BBC skill doesnt work outputting to a Sonos
Previously I could say "Alexa play bbc radio XXX in Kitchen" - probably because it was using the Sonos skill
Recently if I said "Alexa play bcc radio XXX" it played on the echo possibly recently using the BBC skill
But now I cant say "Alexa play bbc radio XXX in Kitchen" because the Tunein route has been stopped by the BBC
So everyone - except us license paying customers - are to blame - the BBC for removing the BBC from tunein in UK and Sonos/Amazon/BBC for the BBC skill not working in the same way including remoting to a Sonos speaker.
The problem with the fullscreen clock affected US side and they helped get it fixed - we've no chance with this problem.
couldn't agree more. My clock radio alarm works perfectly and always has done. I keep it because I do not trust a internet alarm for anything where I must get up. Listening/viewing choices have changed dramatically with streaming and data collection allows planning, content etc. The bbc now offer a almost complete access to their content, which has been requested for a very long time - just as the major changes in iPlayer and the beeb working behind the scenes to get a lot of that content valuable for a year instead of 30 days.
all streaming services collect data so the BBC is no different to anyone else to get an understanding of what content to provide and when instead of guessing. TuneIn is just a host for streams but itself must collect data as to what services are being requested, and I assume that TuneIn charges providers for providing the portal to their content. A bad analogy is paying someone to do your shopping but they refuse to tell you what shops they went in.
you hit the very big nail disguised as an elephant that skills can’t be used in routines which, as you say, is firmly in Amazon’s court but...you can listen to the bbc in a Echo. So the beeb haven’t changed anything except greatly expand what you can listen to. It’s great wandering about the place listening to some podcasts or a serial or a book without having to sit by the “radio” waiting for it to come on on a day I’d rather be doing something else.
as a bit of wild supposition Amazon may be resisting such implementation because of privacy concerns (not wanting a HUGE fine). But the only resolution is for Amazon to do something about it. The beeb are more than happy to work with them. Let’s come from the other side of a rant. Why are the beeb wasting my licence fee messing about with the likes of Amazon et al so the “some” listeners can switch their radio on at a set time using a third party internet device. Why are the beeb wasting my licence fee supporting two platforms just so “some” listeners can switch their radio on at a set time using a third party internet device.
my position is not so much a beeb fan and anything they do is right but why is the beeb being attacked for something they have no control over just because a third party will not do something for their paying customers. And consider that skills, as well as the beeb, are in the same boat.
it’s hardly that the beeb is the only radio station you can use to wake you up...
Yes. The beeb in their announcement explain why.
you presume incorrectly. Please read the BBC announcement helpfully linked to in the very first post.
LizzieMo,
I must say I don't see any issues here. BBC skill is working perfectly well for me. (.. apart from not working in routines and alarm requests.)
For straight forward streaming of BBC radio stations, it's okay.
How does Alexa respond to "Alexa, open the BBC"? ..does it not ask what station or podcast to play?
What does it show in the history?
Works just fine on Sonos for me. It still uses TuneIn.
i use a short routines and both work on both Alexa and Google. (E.g. “alexa kitchen” = “alexa play radio 2 from tunein on kitchen”)
google works to the spoken “hey google play radio two on kitchen” (it seems to have learned that beeb 2 is from tunein)
alexa works to the spoken “play bbc radio two on kitchen” (but have to put “bbc” in)
for alexa by itself it warns you that you should log in on the bbc skill
i suspect that the beeb will happily work with Sonos to get the new version implemented - podcasts etc have been requested on the Sonos site for years.
Go into the Alexa app to check the BBC skill has been set up and then log into the skill. You need to set up a BBC account.