Sky and Freeview have long been the dominant players in the UK TV market, reaching millions of households. However, a new competitor, Freely, emerged in 2024 and has quickly gained traction with over one million households switching to its platform. Since its inception, Freely has enhanced its features and expanded its TV guide to offer over 50 live channels without the need for an aerial or satellite dish.
The latest development from Freely is the introduction of Freely Spotlight Channels, which will provide additional entertainment to homes at no extra cost. These channels will be accessible through a standard Wi-Fi connection and will be located on channel 31 and channels 90 to 99, also available for CTV OS partners on Freely-enabled devices.
V, the company behind the VIDAA OS smart TV platform used in Hisense TVs, has been announced as the launch partner for Freely Spotlight Channels. This partnership will bring a curated selection of V’s channels to the Freely TV Guide, positioning the Spotlight Channels alongside established UK broadcasters for increased visibility and credibility within the regulated TV landscape.
While specific content details for the Spotlight Channels are yet to be revealed, more information is expected closer to the launch date. Deep Halder, Chief Commercial Officer at Everyone TV, expressed the company’s commitment to providing long-term value and creating opportunities for partners while ensuring free, quality TV content remains easily accessible to UK audiences in the streaming era.
For those unfamiliar with Freely, it is operated by the same team behind Freeview and Freesat, offering all content delivery through broadband connection, eliminating the need for traditional TV equipment like aerials or satellite dishes. Users only require a compatible TV or set-top box and a stable Wi-Fi connection to access Freely’s offerings, including over 50 live channels, on-demand content, personalized recommendations, a comprehensive TV guide, and the ability to pause live TV.