UKTV is to put the U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W and U&YESTERDAY channels on the Freely streaming platform.
Backed by the UK’s public broadcasters under the Everyone TV umbrella, the new service launched in July, and is widely seen as the successor to the Freeview DTT platform.
The first iterations of Freely are now in market, on Bush, Hisense, Toshiba, and Panasonic 2024 smart TV models, with additional features and software updates being provided to users as the service develops.
The service works over broadband and Wi-Fi without the need for an aerial.
Jonathan Newman, General Manager, Commercial, UKTV, said: “We’re delighted that our free streaming service U and portfolio of free-to-air channels, recently united under the U Masterbrand, are joining the Freely line-up. It further supports our audience-led strategy, ensuring our viewers can easily access UKTV’s content in a digital world.”
UKTV is owned by BBC Studios, the commercial arm of Freely partner BBC, so its early involvement should not be the greatest surprise.
“The new platform brings together local, originated programming that champions UK talent and UK stories,” ,” said Jonathan Thompson, CEO, Everyone TV. “It gives viewers access to the best of British TV, with shows that reflect our nation, driving the national conversation and broadening the common investment that all audiences have in our society.”
Everyone TV also runs the UK’s free-to-view TV platforms – Freeview and Freesat – reaching over 15 million UK households.
