BBC bosses are poised to block expats from accessing many of its services as part of a radical shake-up which has prompted concern even within the corporation itself. Within a matter of weeks, the BBC will stop anyone living abroad from accessing Sounds, its audio streaming service.

International listeners will instead have to tune into radio and podcasts using a new advertising-funded service on .com or, alternatively, via the app. Some programming, including all music radio stations and some podcasts, will be removed completely as a result of rights restrictions. Others will only be accessible using third-party subscription services - for example, Apple and Spotify.

Expats will continue to be able to listen to stations including Radio 4 and the World Service, plus such popular podcasts as The Global Story and Infinite Monkey Cage.

journalist and former World News Today presenter Kirsty Lang described the decision as "devastating for all our overseas listeners".

She told : "BBC Radio is a vital lifeline to so many overseas listeners.

"I have no idea why they're cutting it or why they can't introduce a subscription for people living outside the UK."

A BBC spokesman said: "BBC Sounds is a UK licence fee-funded service. To offer better value for our UK listeners, BBC Sounds will be repositioned and made available exclusively to UK audiences."

The BBC is facing mounting pressure as it scrambles to address a £500million shortfall in its finances, forcing tough decisions on content, funding, and its future.

Plans to introduce advertising on some radio and podcast content have sparked backlash from commercial rivals, who warn of market distortion.

With the licence fee under Government review ahead of 2027, the broadcaster must find new revenue streams while maintaining its public service remit.

This in turn raises questions about its long-term financial sustainability and independence from political influence.