Launch the News Player

For the first time, BBC News video and audio is available in either Real Media or Windows Media formats while items are available in either broadband (256k) or narrowband (56k).

It is simple. If you are not sure about connection speeds or formats, we will guide you through.

Then you can watch or listen to the latest national and international news on demand, catch-up with BBC TV news bulletins, follow live events or breaking news and explore coverage ranging from technology to entertainment.

Easy to use

We have made using the BBC News Player as easy as possible.

Whether you are an experienced or first time user, when you click on BBC News audio or video you will get this screen.

This is called the BBC Media Selector. It tells you how we think your computer is set-up. If you are happy, click yes. If you are unsure, simply click on the test my connection speed button and Media Selector will double check for you.

You only have to do this once - and then whenever you play BBC News media, we will provide you with the best possible quality for your computer.

Finding BBC News Player

You will then find the News Player by one of two routes.

Either:

If you have clicked on this button at the top of the page, you will launch the news headlines section within the player. You can then explore a wealth of content.

Or:

If you have clicked on any individual video or audio item - from inside a text story or from one of the index pages - you will launch that item within the player. Once you have watched you can either close the item down and return to your text page or explore the player.

There is a 'Help' section in the player that will show you how to make the most of what is on offer or you can watch Darren Jordon's video guide.

You can also use News Player to reach other BBC media players:

BBC News Player includes: The latest stories from home or abroad, available on demand Live coverage from BBC News 24 of major breaking stories The BBC One, Six and Ten O'clock news, story by story Live coverage of big news events The latest headlines from BBC News 24, constantly updated In depth reports that give the background to a story Watch the video guide

The BBC Sport Player - including live action, results and sports news on demand
The BBC Weather Player - including local, national and international forecasts
The BBC Radio Player - listen to live radio or listen again for seven days after broadcast

If your computer does not have Real Media or Windows Media Player, click on either of these links:

We would like to know what you think about the News Player. Send us your comments using the post form below.

Wherever possible, we will try to answer your e-mails, but we cannot guarantee a reply. Your comments will remain confidential.