The television market in the UK is predominantly shaped by Sky and Freeview, delivering content to numerous households. However, a newcomer, Freely, emerged in 2024 and has swiftly gained traction, attracting over a million households.
Since its inception, Freely has enhanced its features and expanded its TV guide, offering over 50 live channels without requiring traditional aerial or dish setups.
In a recent development, Freely has introduced Freely Spotlight Channels, providing additional entertainment to homes at no extra cost. These channels will be accessible solely through standard Wi-Fi connections.
Freely has disclosed that the Spotlight Channels will be located on channel 31 and channels 90 to 99, available to CTV OS partners on Freely-enabled devices. V, previously known as VIDAA and the provider of VIDAA OS in Hisense TVs, is the launch partner, curating a selection of channels for the Freely TV Guide.
The Freely Spotlight Channels will be integrated alongside established UK broadcasters in the TV guide, granting selected channels increased visibility and credibility within the regulated TV landscape of the UK.
While specific content details for the Spotlight Channels are yet to be revealed, further information is anticipated closer to the launch date.
Deep Halder, Chief Commercial Officer at Everyone TV, expressed, “As Freely continues to grow, we are dedicated to creating a platform that adds long-term value across the ecosystem. By allowing CTV OS partners to engage within specific sections of the TV guide, we are fostering new opportunities for our partners while remaining committed to providing accessible, trusted TV content for UK audiences in the era of streaming.”
For those unfamiliar with Freely, it is managed by the team behind Freeview and Freesat, offering a distinctive approach where all content is delivered through broadband, eliminating the need for aerials, satellite dishes, or intricate installations.
To utilize Freely, households only require a compatible TV or set-top box and a reliable Wi-Fi connection. The platform currently boasts over 50 live channels, on-demand content access, personalized recommendations, a comprehensive TV guide, and the ability to pause live TV.
