Welsh channel S4C has launched a streaming portal on Freeview Play, which initially offers on-demand and catch-up content, but will soon allow viewers to access the live broadcast channel.
S4C Clic first popped up last week among the apps listed on Freeview Play channel 100, just in time for the broadcaster’s coverage of The Royal Welsh Show. The Welsh broadcaster has now confirmed its launch on Freeview Play and revealed its future plans.
Initially, viewers will be able to find an on-demand library, including S4C Drama box sets and catch-up TV.
But S4C plans to live stream sports and other events on S4C Clic as well as the full S4C broadcast channel.
S4C can already be live streamed on a Freeview Play device, but the stream is somewhat buried behind BBC channels on the BBC iPlayer. With the Freeview Play launch, S4C content can be found more easily in its own standalone app.
▶ Accessing S4C Clic on Freeview Play
On Freeview channel 100, S4C Clic can be found among the apps listed in the apps rail on the upper third of the screen. Scroll right past BBC iPlayer and ITVX to find S4C clic. Outside of Wales, the app is found quite a way along the apps rail.
- Once selected, you have the choice to access the user interface in Welsh or English.
- After selecting the language you can then either create or link your S4C Clic account to watch programmes on-demand.
S4C continues to be available from Freeview transmitters in Wales on channel 4 (SD) and part-time on channel 104 (HD).
Corporate comment
Speaking of the Freeview Play launch, Sian Doyle, S4C’s Chief Executive declared:
“We are proud to be able to bring Welsh language programming to a new audience on Freeview Play. We’ll be able to showcase the creativity and talent that we have in Wales in millions of homes across the UK.”
Marc Thornham