Radiocentre welcomes confirmation of radio protections on AI-powered smart speakers

The government has confirmed that the Media Act’s protections for radio will cover the main voice assistant platforms, including their next generation of AI smart speaker interfaces.

In a statement to parliament yesterday (12 November), the Media Minister Ian Murray confirmed the government’s decision to designate Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri under Part 6 of the Media Act, accepting Ofcom’s recommendations.

Crucially, the designations will also cover next-generation AI smart speaker interfaces provided by the designated platforms, including Alexa+ and Gemini. This builds on the government’s proposals announced in July and will help to future proof the new regime, ensuring listeners’ access to radio remains protected as technology evolves.

The announcement follows Ofcom’s consultation on a Code of Practice for Designated Radio Selection Services, which closed on Monday (9 November). The Code sets out how platforms will be expected to comply with their new duties in practice.

These protections cover listeners’ ability to select and play stations using voice commands, broadcasters’ choice over how their streams are delivered, and safeguards against platforms inserting unauthorised content before or during playback. Platforms will also be prohibited from charging stations for providing access. Radiocentre submitted an industry response to the consultation.

Ofcom expects to publish the final Code in spring 2027 when the full powers will come into force.

Radiocentre CEO Matt Payton said:

“This is a welcome step towards safeguarding radio’s future online. As more listening moves to smart speakers, audiences must be able to rely on these devices to play the radio stations they request. Including the next generation of AI voice assistants will help keep these vital protections up to date. We look forward to continuing to work with government and Ofcom on the final stages of implementation.”