New streaming service Freely launches
UK broadcasters BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 have joined forces to launch new streaming service Freely. Led by Everyone TV, the platform is available on the next generation of smart TVs, providing on demand content for free. This marks the first time that all broadcasters have come together for a streaming proposition.

Image courtesy of Glenn Carstens-Peters by Unsplash
Making the move to “futureproof live TV for the streaming age,” Freely will allow audiences to seamlessly float between live and on demand programming, all for free through a new generation of smart TVs. It has also been confirmed that STV and S4C, free-to-air public service broadcasters for Scotland, will also bring their channels and on demand content to Freely, via broadband.
Kieran Clifton, Director, BBC Distribution & Business Development, says: “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.”
Martin Goswami, ITV Group Strategic Partnerships and Distribution Director, says: "The success and impact of programmes like ITV's Mr Bates vs the Post Office shows the importance of UK PSBs and ITV is proud to be part of this exciting new chapter for free TV in this country with Freely. Bringing live streamed channels and on demand content together in Freely gives viewers the opportunity to access the very best in British content as easily as possible, from live and recent programmes to a wealth of on-demand options."
Grace Boswood, Technology & Distribution Director, Channel 4, says: “Freely will deliver the best of Britain’s world-leading public service content seamlessly and for free. It further supports Channel 4’s Fast Forward strategy as we accelerate our transformation into the streaming age, ensuring our trusted, brand-safe content is available to everyone.”
James Tatam, SVP Business & Revenue for Channel 5, says: "We're delighted to be part of Freely, which will ensure UK audiences can continue to easily discover and enjoy original, high quality British programmes from Channel 5 and the other public service broadcasters - live and on-demand, for free."

Image courtesy of BBC
Today marks the arrival of the first Freely smart TV, in partnership with Hisense, which will be available in stores across the UK and online. In addition, it was announced that TiVo, an Xperi Inc. subsidiary will be offering Freely as part of its TiVo OS platform. This will be run on smart TV’s powered by TiVo. Upcoming smart TV partnerships include the Vestel collaboration coming in the next few weeks.
Gabriel Cosgrave, general manager of EMEA, Xperi, says: “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.”
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