Freely, the new streaming service from the UK’s top public broadcasters, is now available on Amazon Fire TVs. This major partnership with Amazon aims to bring free live and on-demand television to millions more homes across the country. The move ensures that public service content from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 remains easily accessible in the age of smart TVs, all without a subscription fee.
A Major Boost for Free TV Access
The agreement between Freely and Amazon represents a pivotal moment for British television. By integrating the service directly into Amazon Fire TVs, one of the most popular smart TV platforms in the UK, broadcasters are significantly expanding their digital reach.
This collaboration makes it easier than ever for viewers to access their favourite shows. The Freely app comes pre-installed, removing the need for complicated downloads or setups. Users can simply find the service and start watching immediately.
This seamless integration is designed to enhance the viewing experience for everyone. Key benefits of the partnership include:
- Wide Reach: Tapping into the massive user base of Amazon Fire TV ensures Freely can connect with a diverse audience across the nation.
- Ease of Use: Having the service ready to go from the start simplifies access, especially for those less familiar with smart TV technology.
- Reliable Performance: Leveraging Amazon’s established platform helps provide a smooth and dependable streaming service.
Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, which runs Freely, called the deal vital for securing the future of free-to-air television for UK audiences.
An Unmatched Content Library at No Cost
Since its launch in April, Freely has built an impressive and extensive library of content. It offers over 70,000 hours of on-demand programming, placing it ahead of major subscription-based competitors. This vast collection provides viewers with an unparalleled choice of dramas, documentaries, comedies, and news, all for free.
The service stands out in a crowded market by offering more content than many paid platforms. This focus on volume and variety ensures there is something for every viewer.
| Streaming Service | On-Demand Hours |
| Freely | 70,000+ |
| Amazon Prime | 60,000 |
| Netflix | 50,000 |
| Disney+ | 40,000 |
| Apple TV+ | 30,000 |
Securing the Future of Public Broadcasting
This partnership is more than just a distribution agreement; it is a strategic step to protect and promote the values of public service broadcasting. By making high-quality, mandated content widely available, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 are reinforcing their commitment to serving the public.
The move is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of these broadcasters in an increasingly digital world. It helps them compete for viewers’ attention while fulfilling their legal requirement to provide programming that educates, informs, and entertains the nation.
This strategy allows the broadcasters to maintain their relevance and continue providing a valuable service to all communities across the UK.
What’s Next for the Freely Service?
With the Amazon deal now in place, Freely is well-positioned for future growth and innovation. This successful collaboration could serve as a model for future partnerships with other technology companies, further expanding its availability.
Looking ahead, the service plans to explore new ways to engage audiences. Potential developments include adding more interactive features, offering more localised and region-specific content, and continuing to enhance the overall user experience. Freely’s strong start suggests it could become a central part of how British households watch television.
