BritBox launches on Freesat

ITV and BBC streaming joint venture service BritBox has launched on Freesat, the UK’s free to air satellite TV platform. BritBox will be among the apps available on Freesat’s latest 4K UHD-capable set-tops.

BritBox is currently available on TV streaming devices adding Amazon Fire TV to Apple TV and Google Chromecast, as well as through a range of Smart TVs from manufacturers including Samsung, Panasonic, Toshiba, JVC, Hitachi, Bush, along with PCs and smartphones.

The service announced distribution agreements with Freeview Play, the online service of the UK free-to-view digital-terrestrial platform, and YouView, the connected TV service used by BT and TalkTalk, last September.

In March it said it would be adding support for YouView – where it is now available – and other Freeview Play Smart TVs in the next few months.

Content on the service in September includes the addition of the first 25 films from FilmFour, UK public broadcaster Channel 4’s movie service. Also forthcoming on BritBox is a revival of ‘80s satirical puppet show Spitting Image, the service’s first original commission.

Alistair Thom, CEO of Freesat said: “2020 has been a huge year for Freesat with the release of our new set top boxes and the welcoming of new content partners to the platform. The launch of BritBox promises even greater programming choice and we cannot wait to bring its mix of the best of British TV to our customers as we’re sure that it will resonate significantly with them. In these stressful times, Freesat is always focused on delivering the best and most engaging content for viewers.  We know that they will really appreciate access to such a comprehensive range of shows, as well as being able to embrace all the original commissions that BritBox has planned over the coming months.”

Tom Price, BritBox’s director of commercial and financial planning said: “We’re delighted to be adding Freesat to the wide range of set top boxes, Smart TVs and streaming sticks supported by our service which now includes over 20 million devices in addition to web and mobile apps. With content ranging from award-winning drama to classic comedy, hit reality and cult TV, BritBox will bring Freesat users the biggest box of British box sets this Autumn. Subscribers will also be able to enjoy the timely return of the most iconic political satire Spitting Image, available only on BritBox from October.”