New streaming service Freely has launched, operator Everyone TV has announced.
Freely has the backing of BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 and is available through the next generation of smart TVs now on sale in stores and online.
Live TV channels can be streamed alongside on demand content, offering viewers and broadcasters a pathway to the end of the dish or TV aerial, should they choose to do so.
It’s the first time four of Britain’s public service broadcasters have come together to launch a streaming proposition, signalling the beginning of a journey to secure the future of free TV through collaboration. The partners have previously worked together on the DTT platform Freeview and satellite-delivered Freesat.
“The launch of Freely is a historic moment for UK television. Collaboration between the UK PSBs is critical to connecting and protecting all audiences as we transition towards the streaming era – and delivering live TV over broadband for free is a ground-breaking innovation that will futureproof public service broadcasting,” said Kieran Clifton, Director, BBC Distribution & Business Development.
Everyone TV has confirmed that STV and S4C will also bring their channels and on demand content to Freely, via broadband. STV and S4C are free-to-air public service broadcasters for Scotland and Wales respectively, whose content can be viewed across the UK.
Hisense, previously announced as the first Freely smart TV partner, brings Freely TVs to market today. TVs will be available in stores across the UK and online at retailers such as Currys, Argos, AO and Very.
It has also been announced today that TiVo will be offering Freely as part of its TiVo OS platform. Freely will run on smart TVs powered by TiVo, providing consumers with choice and a simple navigation to discover content quickly and efficiently without the burden of walled gardens.
Gabriel Cosgrave, general manager of EMEA, Xperi, said: “Xperi is dedicated to delivering an extraordinary entertainment experience that is more intuitive, immersive and personal. By integrating Freely into the TiVo OS platform, we are empowering UK audiences to navigate content without constraints and unlocking more personalised options, quickly and seamlessly, inclusive of public service broadcaster’s content.”
Initially Freely will be available via Vestel smart TVs Powered by TiVo. Vestel was previously announced as a Freely smart TV partner, with Vestel Freely TVs due to launch in the coming weeks.
