Industry

Everyone TV is rolling out a new commercial proposition for connected TV operating system (CTV OS) partners with the upcoming launch of Freely Spotlight Channels, designed to unlock fresh monetisation opportunities within the Freely TV Guide. The initiative marks a deeper collaboration between broadcasters and CTV OS platforms, with V (formerly VIDAA) confirmed as the launch partner. The company will be the first to introduce a curated selection of channels from its portfolio into the Freely ecosystem, reinforcing the platform’s evolution in the streaming era.

Freely Spotlight Channels will be positioned on channel 31 and across channels 90–99, offering dedicated placement to CTV OS partners on Freely-enabled devices. Viewers will gain access to up to 11 additional channels via their devices, as Freely continues to expand its offering and simplify access to free-to-air content over Wi-Fi. V is expected to unveil and roll out its channels on Hisense-powered devices later this year. The model enables CTV OS partners to curate their own channel destinations within the Freely TV Guide, creating new pathways for content discovery, audience engagement and advertising revenue. At the same time, it broadens viewer choice while maintaining the platform’s core proposition of free, universally accessible television.
Freely Spotlight Channels will sit alongside established UK broadcasters within the guide, giving participating channels increased visibility and credibility within a regulated environment. The initiative also introduces a more integrated approach for partners to monetise viewing through advertising and promotion, while aligning with Freely’s mission to keep trusted content easy to find.

“As Freely continues to scale, we are focused on building a platform that delivers long-term value across the whole ecosystem. Enabling CTV OS partner participation in defined parts of the TV guide allows us to deliver unprecedented value to our CTV OS partners in new ways, while staying true to our commitment to UK audiences to ensure free, trusted TV remains easy to discover in the streaming age. As our first partner at Freely’s launch two years ago, it feels fitting that V is leading the way as our Spotlight Channels launch partner, with their new channels featuring prominently within the TV Guide,” said Deep Halder, Chief Commercial Officer, Everyone TV.
"The UK is a strategically important market for V, and Freely represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking platform we want to partner with. Spotlight Channels allow us to bring more free, high-quality streaming content directly to viewers through the Freely TV Guide – reinforcing our belief that great television should be accessible to everyone. V is committed to creating more value for audiences and partners alike, and this is a natural next step in that journey," Guy Edri, Co-Founder and CEO, V, added.

The launch of Spotlight Channels builds on Freely’s continued growth trajectory. The platform surpassed one million weekly users during the Christmas period and has maintained strong momentum into the new year. It is also forecast to become the UK’s largest TV device platform by 2030, following its rapid expansion in 2025. 
In parallel, Freely is introducing a dedicated Showcase Channel on channel 100, featuring short-form tutorials and informational content designed to help users navigate and maximise the platform’s features.
Backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, Freely is integrated into smart TVs and plug-in streaming devices, aggregating live and on-demand programming from the UK’s leading broadcasters without the need for a dish, aerial or subscription.