Yahoo Finance UK broadcasters to launch joint streaming TV app as end of terrestrial nears
The BBC and other broadcasters will launch a free internet-based smart TV platform next year, bringing the end of terrestrial broadcast a step closer.
Programmes from the BBC, as well as ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, will be available via a consolidated online service that will be available from 2024.
The platform, named Freely, will also allow viewers to stream on-demand content from all four broadcasters straight from their smart TV.
It comes as broadcasters prepare for an online-only future, which could exclude millions of households that still rely on terrestrial.
The BBC’s director general Tim Davie has previously said the BBC could switch off broadcasts from TV towers by the end of the decade.
Following the announcement of Freely, Mr Davie said: “Ensuring the universality of public-service television is sustained into the future is of paramount importance to the UK and all its public service broadcasters.
“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 and that no one is left behind.”
Featuring a line-up of public service broadcasters and free-to-air channels, Freely will be run by Everyone TV, which is owned by the four broadcasters and operates Freeview and its satellite twin Freesat.
Viewers will be able to browse channels using a programme guide and new functions will allow them to find shows directly from live TV.
Dame Carolyn McCall, ITV’s chief executive, said: “As more and more UK households use internet-connected TVs, it’s critical that the public service broadcaster channels remain available and easy for them to find.
“This new collaboration enables the UK public to continue to get all of their favourite British TV channels, for free – just as Freeview did at the advent of digital TV.”
Alex Mahon, chief executive of Channel 4, said the platform would make TV shows easy to find and ensure compliance with the draft Media Bill, which is set to update public service broadcasting (PSB) services for the digital world.
She said: “Streaming TV is increasingly the new normal for audiences, particularly young viewers, so it has never been more important for trusted PSB content to be readily available to everyone, for free.”
Traditional TV viewing, where viewers watch programmes broadcast at a scheduled time usually via terrestrial or satellite, is down more than 25pc since 2011, and 68pc among 16 to 24s, according to regulator Ofcom.
Earlier this year, the Government outlined legislation that aims to help public broadcasters compete with streaming giants, such as Netflix and Disney, by levelling the playing field.
Netflix warned it may remove films and TV series from its UK catalogue because of plans for streaming content to be subject to regulation by Ofcom, as well as impartiality rules that already apply to public broadcasters.
Moves towards a full terrestrial switch-off have raised concerns about the impact on those without internet, especially older viewers.
Mr Davie admitted last year that, by 2030, as many as 2 million homes in the UK could still not have a fixed-line broadband connection.
