Four broadcasters have signed up to be part of Freely’s streaming service from next year.
- PBS America, GB News, QVC and channels from AMCNI to be available without needing an aerial.
- QVC and Watch Free UK streaming apps coming to Freely TVs.
Freely’s platform manager Everyone TV has confirmed four new partners for its fledging TV platform, which aims to be the successor to Freeview.
From early 2025, viewers with a Freely TV will be able to access additional channels without needing to use a TV aerial.
At present, Freely users only get the full set of free TV channels available in their area if they connect their TV to a TV aerial as well as to their internet router via wifi or ethernet.
The new services…
AMCNI will offer its free-to-air channels, which include Legend, Legend Xtra and True Crime. Additionally, it’s launching its streaming app Watch Free UK on Freely TVs.
QVC will stream two channels: QVC and QVC2. It will also add its QVC+ app.
PBS America and GB News will make their linear channels available to stream.
Once the channels launch via Freely’s streaming services, viewers will no longer need to use their TV aerial to watch these channels. Freely users who already don’t use an aerial, will gain access to the channels for the first time.
The channels join those from the BBC, ITV, STV, S4C, Channel 4, Channel 5 and UKTV (except U&eden) that are already available via streaming.
The long-term goal is that viewers can access all Freeview TV channels via streaming, so that the terrestrial TV network can be closed down.
Corporate comment
Jonathan Thompson, CEO at Everyone TV said:
These new collaborations mark a significant milestone as Freely continues to redefine the streaming experience, offering something for everyone, with content across a variety of genres. From groundbreaking storytelling to rich historical programming and an engaging shopping experience, we are excited to offer an increasingly competitive free viewing experience with these new channels and on demand players. We look forward to continued collaboration across the industry, bringing even more entertaining and engaging content to Freely.”
By: Marc Thornham | Image: Everyone TV | Updated 11:41