Digital UK makes clean sweep of UK broadcasters

Digital UK is the joint venture which leads the future development of free TV in the UK. Working in partnership with organisations across the industry, its focus is on delivering resilient, universal, high-quality and innovative free TV services for all UK viewers.

Following the acquisition of Freesat in the summer of 2021, Digital UK is responsible for the day-to-day management of both the UK’s leading free-to-view platforms, Freeview and Freesat. Earlier this year Digital UK merged with Freesat (UK) Ltd to bring the two free-to-view TV organisations together, with the aim of ensuring that viewers continue to have access to a range of free-to-view TV services in the UK, while also benefitting from technological innovations and developments across the two platforms.

ViacomCBS-owned Channel 5 joins Digital UK with immediate effect. Commenting on the move, ViacomCBS UK chief commercial and operations officer Sarah Rose said: “We’re delighted Channel 5 has joined the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 to help shape the future of free-to-view TV as part of Digital UK. Channel 5 plays a distinctive role in public service broadcasting in the UK and, as part of ViacomCBS can bring a unique perspective to the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Added Digital UK chair Caroline Thomson: “We’re delighted to welcome Channel 5 to Digital UK and thank all our members for their continuing support. The future of free-to-view television is critical to providing all UK viewers with high-quality British content and we look forward to working with all public service broadcasters to develop and deliver continually evolving and compelling free TV services across Freeview and Freesat.” Rapid TV News