The new BBC News and BBC Sport apps are going to be made available via the Freesat Freetime platform.
Both the branded apps will have a similar look and feel to the BBC’s current online and connected TV apps. In many ways they are an evolution from the former Red Button services, such as the BBC News Multiscreen, the difference being that the content can be called up at any time rather being shown on a video loop. The sports app too serves as a successor to the Sport Multiscreen, though there is no suggestion at this stage that this is being withdrawn completely.
Commenting on the launch, Emma Scott, Freesat’s Managing Director, said: “Every week, more than four million viewers enjoy their favourite TV on Freesat and our mission is to continue to provide them with reasons to carry on loving our service whilst also attracting new homes. Hot on the heels of the recent launch of our highly popular Freesat App, this is a good example of how we are constantly innovating to improve. Our partnership with the BBC to provide live and On Demand access to up-to-the minute news and a huge volume of sporting action with these BBC apps is testament to this. We are thrilled that Freesat Freetime is currently the only free TV platform or service to be able to provide this. ”
For next month’s Winter Olympics in Russia, Freesat Freetime viewers will be offered up to six live HD video streams, delivering over 650 hours of live sporting action from Sochi 2014. Viewers can also keep up with the latest video highlights and analysis along with news headlines and a live medal table direct from the Games.