Freely, the free streaming platform backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5, is to launch its own plug-in streaming device later this year.
French entertainment technology company Netgem is confirmed as Freely’s first ‘plug-in and stream’ device partner, enabling Freely to run on televisions that do not have the platform built-in, via a plug-in puck.
The move was announced by Freely parent organisation Everyone TV.
Freely launched on new smart TVs in April last year, but the move to streaming devices will make it accessible to even more UK households, enabling them to stream live channels all in one place, for free. The puck will also provide access to Netgem’s Cloud Gaming service.
Freely recently agreed an integration deal with Roku Smart TVs, and also has a line-up of TV manufacturing and OS partners including Hisense, Bush, Toshiba, Sharp, Panasonic, Philips, JVC, TCL, Amazon Fire TV, METZ, VIDAA, TiVo and Titan, as well as feature updates announced earlier this year.
Freely
Jonathan Thompson, CEO, Everyone TV, said: “Freely was created to make free TV work for everyone. Expanding to ‘plug-in and stream’ devices is an important and natural next step to ensure even more homes can enjoy the full Freely experience without the need for a TV upgrade or paid subscription. In partnership with Netgem, we’re launching streaming devices to make it easier than ever for UK audiences to enjoy the nation’s favourite TV, for free, on the TV you already have.”
Sylvain Thevenot, Managing Director of Netgem UK, said: “This innovation represents a game-changer for viewers who seek a streamlined TV and entertainment experience delivered over Wi-Fi. The integration of Freely with Netgem’s entertainment service positions this streaming puck as the optimal choice for all households and breathes a second life to all TV sets at an affordable price.”
Macquarie to sell Arqiva stake for £16.5m
Macquarie Asset Management has agreed to the sale of its 26.5% stake in broadcast infrastructure firm Arqiva for £16.5m.
Spain’s LaLiga agrees €5.25bn football rights with Telefónica and DAZN
Spanish football league LaLiga has agreed a new set of domestic media contracts for more than €5.25bn, with Telefónica and DAZN retaining rights from 2027 to 2032.
BBC remains popular but “must take a firmer grip” in crises, says Ofcom
Despite funding pressures and a rapidly changing media landscape, the BBC remains popular with audiences, with 83% of UK adults using its services weekly, according to media regulator Ofcom.
TikTok and YouTube trigger influencer boom among older audiences
Older internet users are fuelling the growth of influencer videos, according to new research from Ampere Analysis, which shows that half of 55- to 64-year-olds now watch influencer content every week.
MediaForEurope expands European TV footprint with Impresa deal
MFE-MediaForEurope, the TV group controlled by Italy’s Berlusconi family, has agreed to buy a 32.9% stake in Portuguese media company Impresa.


