Blog
November 10, 2025
What is the Future of Free-to-Air TV?
Can Free-to-Air TV Survive the Streaming Era?
The UK government has committed to maintaining free-to-air television until 2034, but beyond that, the future looks increasingly uncertain. Reports show that a growing number of people now consume most of their television through online platforms. Traditionally, this shift was driven by streaming giants such as Netflix and Amazon, which now reach millions of UK households. However, the Freeview space is fighting back with Freely now offering an expanding number of free-to-air channels through its digital platform.
The Current State of Free-to-Air TV
While traditional linear broadcasting remains strong, the digital revolution is hardly new with BBC iPlayer’s 2007 launch marking one of the first steps into online viewing. The arrival of Netflix in 2012, however, accelerated the shift toward digital, and viewing habits have been evolving ever since.
This transformation has been further fuelled by the widespread adoption of smart TVs, smartphones, and streaming boxes that no longer require aerials. As a result, linear free-to-air TV is now competing for attention against streaming and satellite giants with deep pockets and global reach.
Free-to-air broadcasters are however moving with the times and looking to go digital. Many have already launched on Freely, a new service developed by the UK’s public service broadcasters (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5) and powered by Everyone TV. Freely offers a simple way to stream live and on-demand television all for free.
Scenarios for the Future
Predicting the future of free-to-air TV beyond 2034 is not a simple task. What we do know is that almost all Freeview stations have already embraced digital platforms, offering apps, web streaming, and catch-up services. Freely has made this transition even smoother, creating a one-stop destination for many of the UK’s most-watched free-to-air channels.
However, there remains a strong argument for maintaining linear free-to-air TV. A recent Observer report found that a fully IP-based television market could leave 5.4 million UK households without access due to broadband affordability and availability issues.
Looking ahead, several possible futures emerge:
- Status Quo Extended – Freeview and terrestrial services continue with incremental improvements.
- Hybrid Model – Free-to-air evolves into “free with digital enhancements,” integrating streaming, data, and interactivity.
- Gradual Switch-Off / Migration – Terrestrial signals are phased out, and viewing migrates entirely to IP-based streaming.
- Inclusive Digital Future – Free-to-air transforms into a universally accessible, free streaming platform, ensuring digital inclusion across all demographics.
What is the Future of Free-to-Air TV?
Although the future isn’t certain, free-to-air broadcasters must lean fully into the digital age.
At Simplestream, we partner with broadcasters making that transition. We help them expand their reach through streaming distribution, so they don’t lose viewers as infrastructure and habits evolve.
As a trusted Freely service provider, we’ve already helped multiple channels launch on the platform. Our fully managed service can get broadcasters live on Freely in 12 weeks or less – this can now include SCTE marker insertion, SSAI on live channels, automated catch up workflows and native apps to support.
Free-to-air TV is at a crossroads caused by evolving technology and changing viewer behaviour. Yet with thoughtful innovation and collaboration, it can remain a vital part of UK broadcasting, expanding its reach through digital platforms rather than losing it.
At Simplestream, we’re ready to help broadcasters navigate the digital future.
