There’s little doubt that Sky and Freeview are two of the most popular TV services in the UK. Millions of homes tune into content via these trusted platforms, but a relative newcomer is now offering an eye-catching alternative. Freely launched last year, and offers a way to stream live and on-demand content for free. It currently comes built into a swathe of modern screens from manufacturers such as Panasonic and Hisense, which means users don’t need additional set-top boxes to view shows, movies, and sporting action.
It’s also fully powered by the web, so an aerial or dish isn’t needed either. If that isn’t enough to make homes sit up and take notice, there’s now another reason to consider Freely. It’s just been confirmed that Channel 4 is launching three new streaming channels exclusively on Freely which include – 4Reality, 4Homes, and 4Life.
These are Channel 4’s first-ever streaming channels in the UK and are available from this week. You’ll find 4Reality on channel 67, 4Homes on channel 68 and 4Life on channel 82.
It’s worth noting that Freely is owned by Everyone TV, that is the same team behind Freeview. It’s thought that Freely could take over Freeview in the future as more people move away from traditional telly and switch to streaming instead.
“We’re proud to lead the way among Britain’s broadcasters by enhancing Freely’s offering,” said Grace Boswood, Director of Technology & Distribution, Channel 4.
“The launch of our new streamed channels further accelerates our transformation into the streaming age as the world’s first public service streamer. It also continues our record of digital distribution firsts to benefit advertisers and viewers.”
And Jonathan Thompson, CEO, Everyone TV, added: “We’re delighted to be bringing audiences even more high-quality streamed content, in partnership with channel 4. 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 on 4Reality, 4Homes and 4Life – three fantastic channels you won’t find anywhere else!”
WHAT’S ON THESE CHANNELS
• 4Reality (channel 67): sometimes risqué, often funny and always entertaining. 4Reality from Channel 4 – the original home of the best reality TV – brings favourites across real-life drama, sass, romance and rivalry from Married at First Sight, Naked Attraction and First Dates to Made in Chelsea.
• 4Homes (channel 68): from massive mansions to amazing spaces, from places in the sun and DIY in chateaus, to homes in the best-of-British locations, 4Homes showcases all places great and small spanning shows such as Grand Designs, A Place in the Sun and Location, Location, Location.
• 4Life (channel 82): real lives, real people (and real dogs too). And huge helpings of delicious food. Meet people doing amazing things – often in beautiful places. 4Life showcases the great content genres channel 4 viewers love including travel, food and animals, from The Dog House to Travel Man.