Broadcasters and Connected TV operating systems deepen relationship on Freely, with V announced as launch partner
United Kingdom, 13.04.26: Everyone TV – the organisation leading the evolution of free TV in the UK – today announces the launch of Freely Spotlight Channels, a new initiative that enables increased monetisation opportunities for connected TV operating system (CTV OS) partners via the Freely TV Guide. The new opportunity will deliver increased value to Freely’s CTV OS partners, whilst continuing to prioritise universal access to free TV in the streaming age.
Freely Spotlight Channels will be available on channel 31 and channels 90–99, with channel placement offered to CTV OS partners on Freely-enabled devices. V (formerly VIDAA), the company behind the VIDAA OS smart TV operating system powering Hisense TVs, has been confirmed as the launch partner and will be the first to bring a curated selection of channels from their line-up to the Freely TV Guide.
Viewers will be able to enjoy up to 11 new channels from the CTV OS partner on their device, as Freely continues to broaden its channel offering and ensure easy access to free TV for over Wi-Fi. V is set to announce and launch its channels within the Freely TV Guide on Hisense devices later this year.
The new model offers Freely’s CTV OS partners, like V, a unique opportunity to curate a dedicated range of channel positions within the Freely TV Guide on their own devices. The additional channels present an exciting new opportunity to drive discovery, viewing and advertising revenues from free-to-air streaming channels, whilst providing viewers with greater choice.
Freely Spotlight Channels will sit alongside existing high-quality and familiar UK broadcasters within the Freely TV guide, giving selected channels greater prominence and credibility within a regulated TV environment in the UK.
For CTV OS partners, the initiative creates a new, integrated way to monetise viewing through advertising and channel promotion, while remaining closely aligned with Freely’s core value to ensure the content British audiences know and trust is easy to find.
Deep Halder, Chief Commercial Officer, Everyone TV, said: “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.”
Guy Edri, Co-Founder and CEO, V, said: "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."
The introduction of Freely Spotlight Channels builds on Freely’s strong momentum and accelerated growth. Everyone TV previously announced that Freely surpassed one million weekly users across the Christmas week*, with growth continuing into the first quarter. Freely is independently forecast to be the largest TV device platform in the UK by 2030, and was the fastest-growing TV platform in 2025.*
Freely is also introducing a dedicated Showcase Channel on Channel 100, where viewers can access a series of short how-to, feature and informational videos designed to help them fully utilise the Freely experience.
Backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5, the free streaming platform is integrated into new smart TVs and ‘plug-in and stream’ devices, bringing together live and on demand shows from the UK’s biggest broadcasters all in one place, without the need for a dish, aerial or monthly subscription.
CTV OS partners are expected to take advantage of Freely Spotlight Channels later this year.
