Currently under development is a plan to offer live TV via a broadband connection, reports TV Tech. Premier British broadcasters, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 are all lining up to participate in the new Freely streaming service. Freely is being crafted by Everyone TV and is queued up to launch in 2024.
“We are delighted to be working with the public service broadcasters on the next phase of free TV’s evolution,” stated Jonathan Thompson, CEO, Everyone TV. “This new development is a reflection of the fact that a growing number of UK viewers are watching content online, but still want easy access to the shared experience of live TV. 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.”
The established broadcast services have hailed Freely as a landmark project that will introduce British viewers to a wider access of available content. The free service will allow its audience access to both live TV and on demand programming that will be available through a smart TV connection to the internet. Plans foresee including the Freely service in all newly built smart TV sets.
“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,” stated Dame Carolyn McCall, CEO, ITV. “This new collaboration enables the UK public to continue to get all of their favorite British TV channels, for free – just as Freeview did at the advent of digital TV. Alongside the important reforms set out in the draft Media Bill it will help PSBs to continue to thrive for years to come.”
“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,” agreed the director general of the BBC, Tim Davie. “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.”
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