Freeview matches Sky with big free channel upgrade coming to your TV this month

05 March 2024 , 07:09

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Sky Channel Freeview (Image: SKY • FREEVIEW)

TVs across the UK will be treated to more content to watch for free this month with a new channel launching on Sky and matched by Freeview. The update comes courtesy of the GREAT! network that already broadcasts a number of free services to homes across the country. It's next launch, which is called GREAT! Real, will bring even more content to screens and won't cost a penny extra to watch.

A full lineup of shows will be announced soon but it's been confirmed that the new channel will feature programmes that are all unscripted. These include favourites such as Heathrow: Britain’s Busiest Airport, Island Medics, Emergency Rescue: Air, Paddington Station 24/7 and Coast Guard Alaska.

GREAT! Real, which will join other free channels including GREAT! Movies, GREAT! Action and GREAT! Romance, is the first time the platform has had a service totally dedicated to real-life shows

Speaking about the launch, Steve Hornsey, Narrative Entertainment’s VP of Movies & Entertainment, said: "With an array of observational series focusing on dramatic real-life events and human stories, GREAT! Real will take audiences to the heart of the action with an exciting, engaging and relatable content mix that perfectly complements our existing brands."

There's no word on a channel position just yet but watch out for March 20 as that's when things are expected to go live.

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This new channel isn't the only good news for those who love free TV. A new service called Freely looks set to launch in the first part of the year and offer live and on-demand television to homes without the need for an aerial.

All content will be beamed to screens using the internet - that's something Sky has been offering for a while via its Sky Stream box and Sky Glass TVs.

Freely will feature an easy set-up, simple user interface and plenty of features such as a new TV guide and MiniGuide which pops up each time channels are switched.

Freely is being launched by Everyone TV - the same firm behind Freeview and Freesat - with a release expected before for the summer.

Speaking about the news, Sarah Milton and Carl Pfeiffer, Joint Chief Product Officers, Everyone TV said: “It’s clear the way people are watching TV is changing, with more audiences switching over to a broadband only connection.

"We’ve built Freely around the needs of British audiences, bringing them the freedom to choose how they want to watch, with all their favourite shows from the UK’s leading broadcasters all in one place for free. We’re really proud of what we’re launching with Freely and are excited about bringing major enhancements like the MiniGuide to viewers as Freely launches in Q2 this year.”

Dave Snelling