Public service broadcasters to launch smart TV initiative

The BBC, Channel 4 and ITV have teamed together to establish a new service to make their catch-up TV services available as standard on smart TVs.

The move follows what has been described as an apparent “hijacking” of YouView by pay-TV partners BT and TalkTalk – a platform that was originally expected to be used as the future for public service broadcasting.

However, the launch of Freeview Connect indicates a recommittal from the public service broadcasters to Freeview, which currently operates in more than 13 million homes and returns almost £80 billion to the economy.

Funded by Digital UK – an industry body supported by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Arqiva – Freeview Connect will make BBC iPlayer, ITV Player and 4oD available as standard for free.

The new brand aims to create an industry-standard technology and service that will be acceptable for all TV manufacturers and ensure the universal availability of public service broadcasting services and content on smart TVs.

Last week it was reported in the Guardian that the BBC and other public service broadcasters were looking to reduce their investment in YouView when the new shareholders agreement comes into force in April, however the Corporation has not supported this claim.