UK broadcasters to collaborate on live TV streaming service

The BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 have announced a new smart TV streaming service allowing users to stream live TV for free over the internet.

Set for launch in 2024, the new service, called Freely, will be built-in to the next generation of smart TVs and feature a line-up of public service broadcaster content and other free-to-air channels.

Viewers will be able to seamlessly browse channels through a modern and intuitive programme guide, and use innovative functionality designed to make it easier to find and explore new shows directly from live TV.

As viewers increasingly consume content online, this next phase for free TV is about the distribution and availability of the PSBs’ live channels for a streaming age. It will help ensure the availability of PSB services into the future and complement the new provisions for on demand and streaming prominence, set out in the draft Media Bill.

Freely is being developed by Everyone TV, the organisation which runs free TV in the UK and is jointly owned by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.

Jonathan Thompson, Everyone TV chief executive, said:

“We are delighted to be working with the public service broadcasters on the next phase of free TV’s evolution. 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.”

Tim Davie, Director General of the BBC, said the project would help to sustain ‘the universality of public-service television’, something he said was of ‘paramount importance’. Echoing these sentiments, ITV’s Dame Carolyn McCall noted that ‘it’s critical that the public service broadcaster channels remain available and easy to find’.

Alex Mahon, CEO, Channel 4, said that streaming was becoming ‘the new normal’ especially amongst younger audiences, noting ‘we look forward to working closely with our PSB partners so that when the Media Bill’s prominence provisions become law, the technology to make Britain’s favourite TV shows easy to find will already be in place.’

Maria Kyriacou, President of Broadcast & Studios, International Markets at Paramount, added that the new collaboration will ensure viewers will ‘continue to have an easy way to access the channels and content they know and love’ as they continue to shift to IP enabled televisions.