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A team from Fieldfisher, led by technology partner Paul Barton and regulatory/competition partner Nick Pimlott, have advised long-standing client, Everyone TV (formerly Digital UK), in the development of its new free service, Freely, that has just been launched.
The new service broadcasts free to air TV channels available on Freeview, including BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, on the internet with no requirement for an aerial. Freely represents a significant collaboration by the UK broadcasters to futureproof free UK TV for the streaming age.
For the first time, audiences will be able to stream live TV channels alongside on demand content for free via smart TVs, removing the need for a dish or aerial.
Fieldfisher Director Ruth Lewis provided corporate advice on the venture and Senior Associate Lynton Brooks supported Paul on the development agreement for the new platform and technology infrastructure, the arrangements with Smart TV manufacturers, UX agreements covering the customer experience features and the terms for the user app. Branding and trade mark advice was provided by Senior Associate Jude Antony and data protection advice was provided by Partner Leonie Power and Director Camille Ebden. The Fieldfisher team also advised on the content provider agreements.
Freely is available through the next generation of smart TVs which are now available to purchase in store and online. UK TV viewers can currently watch live broadcasts over broadband through broadcasters’ individual apps but there is no comprehensive electronic programme guide for accessing linear broadcast services online. Freely lets British viewers watch live TV channels alongside on-demand content streamed to smart TVs via the internet. The new service allows broadcasters to compete head-to-head with large streaming platforms.
Eric Mitchell, CFO and Director of Legal, Everyone TV, said: "We always turn to Fieldfisher on our most important projects and once again they have delivered with sound and pragmatic advice on a variety of aspects relating to the development of the Freely service”.
Nick Pimlott, partner in Fieldfisher's regulatory team, added:
"We have worked with Everyone TV (formerly known as Digital UK) for many years and are delighted to be supporting them in the development of Freely, a truly innovative service that for the first time brings the full benefits of live linear TV onto the internet."
Paul Barton, partner in Fieldfisher's technology team, said:
"We are proud to have been involved in the launch of Freely which is truly a ground-breaking innovation for UK public service broadcasting."