Channel 4 has become the first public service broadcaster to launch new channels on the streaming service Freely, introducing three distinct streamed channels: 4Reality, 4Homes, and 4Life. The move aims to bring curated programming across reality, lifestyle, and entertainment to viewers without the need for an aerial or satellite dish.
4Reality will feature real-life drama series such as Married At First Sight, Naked Attraction, and First Dates. 4Homes will showcase home and design shows including A Place In The Sun, Location, Location, Location, and Grand Designs. Meanwhile, 4Life will offer content spanning travel, food, and animals, with series like Travel Man and The Dog House.
Grace Boswood, director of technology and distribution at Channel 4, said: “We’re proud to lead the way among Britain’s broadcasters by enhancing Freely’s offering. The launch of our new streamed channels further accelerates our transformation into the streaming age as the world’s first public service streamer.”
Freely, backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, offers more than 50 live channels over Wi-Fi and more on-demand shows than any other UK streaming service. Jonathan Thompson, chief executive at Everyone TV, which operates Freely, said: “Freely already offers more shows than any major streaming service in the UK, without the expensive monthly subscription, and for the first time will now offer exclusive channels with entertaining shows from across the Channel 4 portfolio.”
The launch comes as broadcasters, including the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4, recently wrote to the Government seeking protection from online platforms they say are “driven by profit, not purpose”. Ofcom figures from July showed YouTube is now the second most-watched media service in the UK, behind the BBC and ahead of ITV.
