5 has strengthened its partnership with Freely by launching 11 new streamed channels on the free streaming television platform, broadening the broadcaster’s digital distribution strategy as viewing continues to shift online.
The new channels join 5’s existing live services on Freely and are available free of charge through the platform’s integrated programme guide on compatible connected TVs and streaming devices.
The line-up includes genre-based channels such as 5Cops, 5Crime, 5A&E, 5Medical, 5Movies and 5History, alongside dedicated services for popular brands including Police Interceptors, Bargain-Loving Brits, The Yorkshire Vet, Trucking Hell and Milkshake!.
Five of the channels – 5Movies, 5Medical, 5Yorkshire Vet, 5History and Milkshake! – are launching exclusively on Freely and 5 Streaming.
Kiaran Saunders, VP Distribution & Business Development at 5, said the rollout would extend the reach of the broadcaster’s FAST-style channel portfolio beyond its own streaming platform.
“We want to meet audiences where they are with content they care about,” he said. “These new channels showcase the range and breadth of genres that 5 excels at.”
The expansion follows the recent launch of 5Sport on YouTube and reflects the broadcaster’s wider strategy of distributing its content across multiple connected TV platforms.
For Freely, the addition further strengthens the service’s growing portfolio of streamed channels from the UK’s public service broadcasters. Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, said the launch gives viewers “even more choice” as increasing numbers of households migrate from broadcast to streamed television.
Freely, backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5 through Everyone TV, combines live streamed channels and on-demand services within a single programme guide, positioning itself as the UK’s free streaming alternative to traditional terrestrial television.
Source: https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2026/07/29/5-expands-freely-presence-with-11-new-streaming-channels/
