There's no copyright on Palestrina

October 12, 2009 9:53 AM

Do BBC Radio shows really expire after 7 days?

I have, once again, missed a critically important radio show, only to have it yanked from iPlayer before I'd found out about it. I know the BBC says there's no way to listen to things after 7 days, but is this really true? Is there honestly no way around it? Many other online radio services will make exceptions if you beg and plead, or even just ask nicely. Many will also direct you to places where people are (legally, with their consent) archiving various shows.

I'm looking specifically for the Early Music show from October 3rd, featuring the Tallis Scholars and their director, Peter Phillips. Help me listen to this, people. Is it really gone into the ethers forever?

posted by venividivici to media & arts (6 comments total)

I don't know what to do when it's already off the site, but if you use Mac OS X, I've used iPlayer grabber to save programmes currently on the site with good results.
posted by Cuppatea at 9:57 AM on October 12

Once it's gone from the BBC website, it's gone. They have quite specific licensing requirements. Try googling for a torrent.
posted by Solomon at 10:18 AM on October 12

Alas, it's gone. BBC radio shows require eternal vigilance!

Surely someone connected to the Tallis Scholars might have it if you ask nicely?
posted by vickyverky at 1:38 PM on October 12

Yes, it does indeed seem to be gone forever. I've learned my lesson!

Thanks for the advice, though; I'll try contacting the Tallis Scholars through their website.
posted by venividivici at 2:19 PM on October 12

You might find the torrent here. They have a strict policy on only hosting free-to-air programs, primarily from the BBC.
posted by Frasermoo at 8:55 AM on October 13

uknova.com also has torrents of BBC Radio and TV shows.

Failing that, a polite fulsome letter to the production department or the relevant BBC radio station can also work wonders. It'll have disappeared from the iPlayer but the BBC will still have electronic copies in their archives.
posted by almostwitty at 10:09 AM on October 24