The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 have announced have announced the integration of free-to-air services Freesat and Freeview.
The integration was first revealed by the broadcasters in February. According to the broadcasters, the coming together of the two platforms will help ensure viewers continue to have access to a range of high quality, free-to-view TV services in the UK and benefit from a more streamlined approach to technological innovation and product development.
Freesat’s parent company Digital UK has acquired Freesat from its two shareholders, the BBC and ITV, following the clearance of the transaction by the relevant authorities and regulators. The process of bringing together the operations of the two businesses will be implemented over the coming months.
Jonathan Thompson, Digital UK’s current CEO, will lead the combined entity, while Freesat’s CEO Alistair Thom will depart the company.
Thompson said: “I’m delighted to be heading up the new entity and am very much looking forward to leading the development of free-to-view TV in the UK over the coming years. Freeview and Freesat are both major success stories for the UK’s TV industry and wider society, enabling the public policy goals that underpin public service broadcasting, allowing access to high quality TV for free, for all.”
