In a significant development for television viewers in the UK, public service broadcasters (PSBs) including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 have jointly announced the forthcoming launch of a free TV service called “Freely.” This platform aims to integrate live schedules from these PSBs into one accessible and user-friendly platform, offering viewers the ability to browse and watch live TV channels along with on-demand content via the internet, directly on their smart TVs.

Scheduled to be rolled out next year, Freely will be seamlessly integrated into smart TVs, delivering a wide range of PSBs and other free-to-air channels. The service will be operated by Everyone TV, formerly known as Digital UK, which serves as the platform operator for Freeview and its satellite counterpart, Freesat.

This collaborative effort is a significant step towards ensuring the universality of public-service television for viewers across the UK, aligning with the changing landscape of digital media consumption. By making public service broadcaster content readily accessible and free to all, the initiative aims to leave no one behind in an era marked by the growth of streaming platforms.

BBC director-general Tim Davie underscored the importance of sustaining public-service television’s accessibility into the digital age, emphasising the value it brings to all audiences. He stated, “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.”

ITV chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall highlighted the significance of ensuring the continued availability of public service broadcaster channels on internet-connected TVs, as more households embrace this technology. She emphasised that this collaboration would allow the UK public to access their favourite British TV channels for free.

As the draft Media Bill sets the stage for the transformation of PSB services in the digital realm, Alex Mahon, chief executive of Channel 4, stressed the importance of making trusted PSB content easily accessible to everyone, especially in the age of streaming TV.

Everyone TV, owned collectively by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, aims to provide viewers with an aggregated live TV experience that celebrates British content while accommodating diverse audience needs and preferences. Jonathan Thompson, the company’s chief executive, expressed the goal of ensuring that all viewers have access to the best of British ideas and creativity on television.