Everyone TV is to launch a new app that will ultimately stream all of the UK’s Freeview channels over the internet through a single app.
Called Freely, it will combine BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 onto a single app available to Smart TVs. Later other channels broadcast on the DTT platform, such as Dave,
Everyone TV is the rebranded Digital UK that is now responsible for Freeview and its sister satellite platform Freesat.
BBC director-general Tim Davie said: “Ensuring the universality of public-service television is sustained into the future is of paramount importance to the UK and all its public service broadcasters.
“We are delighted to be deepening our collaboration in helping viewers access our content, ensuring that, in a digital age, we deliver value for all audiences and that no one is left behind.”
Dame Carolyn McCall, ITV chief executive, said: “As more and more UK households use internet-connected TVs, it’s critical that the public service broadcaster channels remain available and easy for them to find.
“This new collaboration enables the UK public to continue to get all of their favourite British TV channels, for free – just as Freeview did at the advent of digital TV.”
Alex Mahon, chief executive of Channel 4, said: “Streaming TV is increasingly the new normal for audiences, particularly young viewers, so it has never been more important for trusted PSB content to be readily available to everyone, for free.”
Everyone TV chief executive, Jonathan Thompson, said: “Our aim is to ensure that all viewers have access to a free, aggregated live TV experience that champions British content and is delivered in a way that suits audience needs and preferences.
“Every one of us should be able to share in the best of British ideas and creativity on TV.”
UK broadcasters have a history of collaboration on platform projects. Freely has hints of Project Kangaroo, later SeeSaw was created by BBC, ITV and Channel 4 in 2010 in an early bid to secure the fledgling online market for the public broadcasters.
The Competition Commission later outlawed the project before it was taken on by Arqiva.
