Everyone TV is to launch Freely Spotlight Channels later this year, creating a new monetisation opportunity for system partners within the Freely TV Guide.
The initiative will make space on channel 31 and channels 90 to 99 for CTV OS partners on Freely-enabled devices, with V, the company behind the VIDAA OS used on Hisense smart TVs, confirmed as the launch partner.
Under the model, viewers will be able to access up to 11 additional channels curated by the CTV OS partner on their device. V is expected to launch its selection of channels within the Freely TV Guide on Hisense sets later this year.
Everyone TV said the move is designed to create additional value for platform partners while maintaining Freely’s focus on universal access to free television in the streaming era.
Deep Halder, chief commercial officer at Everyone TV, said: “As Freely continues to scale, we are focused on building a platform that delivers long-term value across the whole ecosystem. Enabling CTV OS partner participation in defined parts of the TV guide allows us to deliver unprecedented value to our CTV OS partners in new ways, while staying true to our commitment to UK audiences to ensure free, trusted TV remains easy to discover in the streaming age.”
He added that it was fitting that V, which partnered with Freely at launch 2 years ago, would lead the rollout of Spotlight Channels.
The additional channels will sit alongside existing UK broadcast services within the Freely guide, giving them greater visibility inside a regulated TV environment while opening up new advertising and promotional opportunities for device and platform partners.
Guy Edri, co-founder and CEO of V, said: “The UK is a strategically important market for V, and Freely represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking platform we want to partner with. Spotlight Channels allow us to bring more free, high-quality streaming content directly to viewers through the Freely TV Guide.”
He added: “V is committed to creating more value for audiences and partners alike, and this is a natural next step in that journey.”
Freely will also introduce a Showcase Channel on channel 100, carrying short videos designed to help viewers get more from the platform.
Backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5, Freely is integrated into smart TVs and streaming devices, combining live and on-demand programming from the UK’s main broadcasters without the need for a dish, aerial or subscription. Everyone TV said further CTV OS partners are expected to take advantage of Spotlight Channels later this year.
