Consultation: Code of Practice for Designated Radio Selection Services

The Media Act 2024 introduced a new regulatory framework for internet radio delivered through voice assistants to safeguard audiences’ access to broadcast radio streamed online. Our draft Code recommends actions that designated voice assistant services should take to comply with their new duties under the Act.

Radio remains an important source of news and entertainment for UK audiences, and the way people access it is changing. More live radio listening now takes place online than through analogue radio (FM and AM), with many listeners using smart speakers and other voice-controlled devices to access their favourite stations.

The Media Act 2024 introduced a new regulatory framework to protect the availability of online streams of UK broadcast radio on voice assistant services. This aims to secure that audiences will continue to have access to internet radio in the future as they do today.

Ofcom's code of practice describes a set of recommended actions that the providers of designated voice assistant services should follow to comply with their duties. This consultation sets out our proposed recommendations. A draft code of practice document is also attached to the consultation.

We will issue a statement along with the final code of practice next year, taking into account any responses to this consultation.

Responding to this consultation

Please submit responses using the response form no later than 5pm 9 November 2026.