On this episode of Inside Content, I’m joined by Carl Pfeiffer and Sarah Milton, Joint Chief Product Officers at Everyone TV, to discuss how they are shaping the future of free TV in the UK.
Everyone TV, backed by BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, is at the forefront of ensuring that free TV remains accessible and relevant in the streaming era. Their latest innovation, Freely, is a next-generation platform that integrates live and on-demand content seamlessly—bringing the best of public service broadcasting to audiences, whether they have an aerial connection or not.
“Live TV is still an incredibly important part of how people engage with content, whether it’s for big cultural moments or simply a lean-back viewing experience. Our goal with Freely is to enhance that experience while ensuring viewers also have easy access to the vast world of on-demand content.” – Carl Pfeiffer
Carl and Sarah share how Freely has evolved in its first year, offering enhanced personalisation, content curation, and live TV experiences. We also explore Freely’s distribution strategy, the rise of IP-only homes, and the future role of FAST channels.
“We’re responding to changing viewing habits, but live TV still has a strong role in bringing people together. Freely ensures free-to-air content remains discoverable and accessible to all.” – Sarah Milton
As live TV, on-demand, and streaming continue to converge, Everyone TV is ensuring that free TV remains a compelling and competitive option for audiences in the UK and beyond.
Key Topics Discussed:
● Freely’s First Year: How the platform has developed and what makes it unique in the UK TV landscape.
● Live & On-Demand Integration: How Freely bridges the gap between traditional linear TV and modern VOD experiences.
● The Rise of IP-Only Homes: How Everyone TV is adapting to the shift away from aerial connections.
● Personalisation & AI: How curated recommendations and editorial curation shape the user experience.
● The Role of FAST Channels: Where FAST fits into Freely’s long-term strategy and how it complements existing content.
● Expanding Distribution: Recent partnerships with Amazon Fire TV, Hisense, Panasonic, and more to scale Freely’s availability.
● International Interest: How broadcasters from France, Germany, Japan, and Australia are looking at Freely’s model for their own markets.
● Accessibility & Future Innovations: How Everyone TV is enhancing Freely’s UI and making free TV even more inclusive.
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