{"id":36957,"date":"2023-09-18T11:19:20","date_gmt":"2023-09-18T09:19:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1891168"},"modified":"2023-09-18T14:59:37","modified_gmt":"2023-09-18T12:59:37","slug":"bbc-itv-channel-4-and-channel-5-team-up-for-live-tv-streaming-service","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/bbc-itv-channel-4-and-channel-5-team-up-for-live-tv-streaming-service\/","title":{"rendered":"BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 team up for live TV streaming service"},"content":{"rendered":"

Freely is set to launch in 2024. <\/p>

By Katelyn Mensah\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 18 September 2023 at 09:19 AM<\/p>

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Britain\u2019s biggest public service broadcasters are developing a new free TV service that will deliver live TV over broadband.<\/p>\n

The new service, called Freely, is set for launch in 2024 and it will be built into the next generation of smart TVs and feature a line-up of public service broadcaster content and other free-to-air channels.<\/p>\n

Freely is being developed by Everyone TV, the organisation which runs free TV in the UK and is jointly owned by the BBC<\/a>, ITV<\/a>, Channel 4<\/a> and Channel 5<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Everyone TV, formerly known as Digital UK, is responsible for the day-to-day running of the UK\u2019s free-to-view TV platforms \u2013 Freeview and Freest \u2013 as well as leading free TV\u2019s evolution for a streaming age.<\/p>\n

The new TV service will replicate the terrestrial TV experience, building on the heritage and popularity of the Freeview TV platform, which is currently used in 16 million homes.<\/p>

Viewers will be able to browse channels through a modern programme guide and use innovative functionality designed to make it easier to find and explore new shows directly from live TV.<\/p>\n

Jonathan Thompson, Everyone TV chief executive, said: \u201cWe are delighted to be working with the public service broadcasters on the next phase of free TV\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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BBC<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Tim Davie, Director General of the BBC, said: \u201cEnsuring the universality of public-service television is sustained into the future is of paramount importance to the UK and all its public service broadcasters.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>