Broadband TV streaming platform Freely to get 8 new UKTV channels
Broadband-based live TV streaming service Freely, which is backed by the major UK broadcasters and is an evolution – not yet a replacement – for the existing Freeview platform (inc. Freeview Play and Freesat), are set to join LG Channels in gaining access to 8 new TV channels from commercial broadcaster UKTV (Dave etc.).
All of the new additions being added by UKTV, which is wholly owned by BBC Studios, fall into the category of being Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channels, which are special dedicated channels that tend to be delivered via the internet and only offer content or schedules based on either a single TV show or theme.
In this case the new additions are all fairly self-explanatory: Antiques Roadshow on U, Bargain Hunt on U, Casualty on U, DIY SOS on U, EastEnders on U, Gardeners’ World on U, Holby City on U and finally.. Top Gear on U.
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Jonathan Newman, Chief Commercial Officer at UKTV (and BBC Studios UK Region), said:
“The launch of these channels is an exciting moment for UKTV, helping us reach new audiences, unlock advertising revenue and grow our streaming presence through harnessing the power of great British television. We’re delighted to be launching with LG Channels and Freely for the first time.”
The new channels will begin rolling out across LG Channels and Freely before the end of the year, with additional platform agreements currently under discussion.
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on X (Twitter), Mastodon, Facebook, BlueSky, Threads.net and Linkedin.
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I’ve the Manhattan Aero for freely I’m I’m really impressed. No bugs latest update using Amazon. I’ve still got Freesat connected but you get lovely picture upgrades on talking pictures tv, film 4 I’ve noticed.
ITV streams are poor quality compared to satellite, jittery but I suppose ITV will change eventually
I find the freely service very frustrating, it keeps dropping out. I have Vodafone superfast broadband and wonder if they’re the problem. How can I check?
Mine is the same and I’m with Vodafone. ITV is the problem for me, I have to go up or down a channel before it will work. For me it’s Freely that’s the problem.
I don’t what you are usinh for your Freely, but is it possible to connect the device via Ethernet?
These channels are just slop IMO. What’s the point of a channel that shows one programme when I can use the included on demand service to watch any episode of that programme that I like? Is every programme going to have its own channel that just streams it on repeat? It’s not adding more overall value to the Freely platform, it’s just clogging up the TV Guide.
Most channels are slop on Freely and Freeview, even the main channels a lot of the time, that is one4 of the reason I decided to drop linear TV years ago, even then most of it was slop.
It is a way of saying, Freely have 50 channels or what ever it has, so it sounds great, until you have a look at what most are. Freeview is no different. To be honest, even on demand services are not much better, certainly the free stuff like Tubi .
I agree
A Channel that shows New Series/Episodes
will be better
I do not like Repeats my Self
@Josh Welby, I don’t mind repeats, to a certain extent, but there are so many channels with these repeats. Sadly the main channels have a lot of them as well and seem to be getting worse.
I like watching some older stuff, I use the U on demand service and britbox.
More FAST channels, just what nobody needs.
FAST channels are a hands free experience to watch a stream of specific content.
Radio with pictures, Talking lamp, or dipping in an out while focussing on a manual task.
Presumably the ad revenue covers the streaming costs (technical, administrative and cost of broadcasting old content).
Which obviously is not the case for BBC Radio 4Extra, BBC Three and BBC Scotland, which is why they are being cut (despite equivalent or greater audiences).