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In a landmark move for UK television, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 have joined forces to launch Freely, a new streaming service under their joint venture, Everyone TV. This new platform offers viewers free access to live and on-demand content from all four major public broadcasters. In an exciting development, Freely will now be available on Amazon Fire TVs, following a strategic partnership with the U.S. technology giant.
This collaboration marks a significant step in expanding the reach of British public broadcasting into more households across the UK. With Freely’s launch, the traditional model of live TV is being reimagined for the digital age, ensuring that free television content continues to be accessible to the British public.
Freely: A New Chapter in UK Public Broadcasting
The launch of Freely in April 2023 signaled a major shift in how UK public broadcasters deliver their content to audiences. For the first time, the four major public service broadcasters – BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 – have collaborated to create a streaming service that brings together live TV and on-demand programming in one convenient package.
Freely’s mission is to future-proof free TV in the UK by leveraging the power of streaming technology. In an era where traditional TV viewing is increasingly being replaced by on-demand services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, Freely aims to keep live TV relevant and accessible to all, without the need for costly subscriptions.
Everyone TV: The Joint Venture Behind Freely
Freely is the brainchild of Everyone TV, a joint venture between the UK’s public broadcasters. This collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, public-interest programming to British viewers. Everyone TV has been tasked with ensuring that Freely reaches as many households as possible, offering a diverse range of content that caters to different tastes and preferences.
According to Jonathan Thompson, Chief Executive of Everyone TV, the launch of Freely represents a “significant development in widening the availability of Freely and ensuring UK audiences can access free TV well into the future.”
Amazon Fire TV updates: The Power of Public Service Broadcasting
Public service broadcasters like the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 are legally required to provide programming that serves the public interest. This means offering content that is not only entertaining but also educational, informative, and culturally enriching. From news and current affairs to documentaries, dramas, and children’s programming, these broadcasters play a vital role in shaping the UK’s media landscape.
By launching Freely, these broadcasters are taking their public service mission into the digital age. The service ensures that viewers can continue to access high-quality, free-to-air content, even as the media consumption habits shift towards streaming platforms.
Freely’s Landmark Partnership with Amazon Fire TV
In a major boost for Freely, the service will now be available on Amazon Fire TVs following a “landmark deal” between Everyone TV and Amazon. This agreement allows Freely to be integrated into the popular Fire operating system, which is used by millions of households across the UK.
Expanding Freely’s Reach
The partnership with Amazon is a major coup for Freely, as it significantly expands the platform’s potential audience. Amazon’s Fire TV operating system is widely used in the UK, and its integration with Freely will make it easier for viewers to access live TV and on-demand content without needing a separate device or subscription.
For the public broadcasters behind Freely, this deal is an important step in ensuring that free TV remains accessible to a broad and diverse audience. It also underscores the broadcasters’ commitment to adapting to changing media consumption patterns, as more and more viewers move away from traditional TV sets in favor of smart TVs and streaming devices.
A “Remarkable” Partnership
The partnership between Everyone TV and Amazon is notable not just for its scale, but also for its symbolic importance. Jonathan Thompson described the agreement as a “remarkable” achievement, noting that it represents a collaboration between a global technology giant and public service broadcasters working in the public interest.
The deal highlights the evolving relationship between traditional media companies and tech giants like Amazon, as both industries work to adapt to the rapidly changing media landscape. By partnering with Amazon, the UK’s public broadcasters are demonstrating their willingness to embrace new technologies and distribution methods in order to reach more viewers.
Freely’s Extensive Content Library
One of Freely’s major selling points is the sheer volume of content it offers. According to data from Ampere Analysis, Freely boasts 70,000 hours of on-demand programming – more than any other major streaming service in the UK, including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV.
A Diverse Range of Programming
Freely’s content library includes a wide range of programming from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, spanning everything from news and documentaries to dramas, comedies, and children’s shows. This extensive selection makes Freely a compelling alternative to subscription-based services, particularly for viewers who want access to a wide variety of content without the associated costs.
The platform also offers live TV streaming, which sets it apart from many other streaming services. This feature allows viewers to watch live broadcasts from all four public broadcasters in real time, further cementing Freely’s position as a key player in the UK’s evolving media landscape.
Competition with Streaming Giants
Freely’s extensive content library positions it as a strong competitor to global streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+. While these services have dominated the streaming market in recent years, Freely’s unique offering of both live and on-demand content – all available for free – gives it a distinct advantage in the UK market.
Moreover, by bringing together content from all four public service broadcasters, Freely offers a uniquely British perspective that is not easily replicated by international streaming services. This focus on local content is likely to resonate with UK viewers, particularly those who value the public service ethos of the country’s broadcasters.
Future Expansion and Partnerships
Looking ahead, Everyone TV is committed to expanding Freely’s reach even further. In addition to the Amazon Fire TV deal, the joint venture has also signed an agreement with TV manufacturer TCL to include Freely in their new range of smart TVs for 2024.
Bringing Freely to More Homes
The partnership with TCL will see Freely pre-installed on new smart TVs, making it even easier for consumers to access the service. This move aligns with Freely’s broader goal of ensuring that free-to-air TV remains accessible to all, regardless of how viewers choose to consume content.
By partnering with both Amazon and TCL, Everyone TV is positioning Freely as a key player in the UK streaming market, with the potential to reach millions of households. These partnerships also demonstrate the broadcasters’ commitment to embracing new technologies and distribution channels in order to remain relevant in the digital age.
The Importance of Accessibility
At the heart of Freely’s mission is a commitment to accessibility. By offering free access to high-quality content, the platform ensures that viewers from all backgrounds can enjoy live TV and on-demand programming without the need for expensive subscriptions. This is particularly important in a time of economic uncertainty, when many households may be looking to cut back on discretionary spending.
Freely’s partnership with Amazon Fire TV and TCL is a key part of this commitment to accessibility, as it ensures that the service is available on a wide range of devices, from streaming sticks to smart TVs.
The Future of Public Broadcasting in the Digital Age
As the media landscape continues to evolve, the launch of Freely marks a significant moment in the history of UK public broadcasting. By embracing the streaming revolution, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 are demonstrating their commitment to keeping free TV accessible to all, while also adapting to the changing viewing habits of modern audiences.
A New Model for Public Broadcasting
Freely represents a new model for public broadcasting, one that blends the best of traditional live TV with the convenience and flexibility of streaming. This hybrid approach ensures that viewers can enjoy the benefits of both formats, whether they want to watch their favorite shows live or catch up on-demand.
At the same time, Freely allows the UK’s public broadcasters to continue fulfilling their public service remit, delivering programming that informs, educates, and entertains audiences across the country.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Freely
With its extensive content library, innovative partnerships, and commitment to accessibility, Freely is well-positioned to become a major player in the UK’s media landscape. The platform’s partnership with Amazon Fire TV is a landmark moment, opening up new opportunities for growth and ensuring that free TV remains a vital part of British life for years to come.
