Freesat adds Channel 5 catch-up to < free time >

Freesat, the subscription-free satellite TV service owned by the BBC and ITV, has added Demand 5 to its service.

Set up six years ago, Freesat provides access to over 150 free TV and radio channels, including six HD channels.

Last year the platform launched its < free time > service to compete against rival YouView which is also backed by the BBC and ITV. Like its rival, < free time > offers catch-up content via a backwards EPG.

The addition of Demand 5 means the service now offers catch-up apps from all the UK’s PSB channels.

Freesat bosses say viewers will have access to more than 600 programmes from Channel 5’s portfolio of channels, including The Walking Dead, Neighbours and Home and Away.

Emma Scott, Freesat’s Managing Director said: “The launch of Demand 5 further bolsters the catch up TV set for Freesat viewers, joining BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, YouTube and the recently launched 4oD.

“As the consumer appetite for video on-demand grows, Freesat now offers viewer access to the four largest UK catch-up TV players, which account for 80% of long form on-demand viewing today. We’re delighted that Freesat viewers can now enjoy all their favourite catch up TV in one place, for free.”

Paul Thornton-Jones, Channel 5’s Head of Digital Media, added: “We’re very pleased to be adding Demand 5 to the Freesat service, further adding to the wide range of platforms and devices from which viewers can catch up on their favourite Channel 5 programmes and access a significant archive of our shows, including the ever popular milkshake! strand”.