Freeview Chair, Helen Clifton, described the move as a great boost for viewers, especially as they spend more time at home to limit the spread of COVID-19.   

Freeview providing the gateway to Australia’s best free-to-air content

17th April 2020

Freeview Australia today announced a renewed focus on its product suite to ensure all Australians can easily search and discover the best free-to-air content in one place.

Freeview Chair, Helen Clifton, described the move as a great boost for viewers, especially as they spend more time at home to limit the spread of COVID-19.   

“The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted Australian viewers’ strong attachment to our free-to-air broadcasters – the ABC, SBS, Seven, Nine and 10 – which have all seen strong growth in viewing on their broadcast and digital platforms. 

“Given diversified viewing habits, the Board of Freeview began a detailed review in the months before the pandemic and that work has since accelerated to redefine the role of Freeview so that it gives viewers an easy, convenient and aggregated way to discover and experience all our great content – and all for free. 

“We are very excited that Freeview will be supported by our free-to-air broadcasters to deliver enhanced services to both viewers and broadcasters.”

Findings from the review include a sharper focus on the following initiatives:

- An improved Freeview service with greater search and discovery on the ‘big screen’ – TV and laptops.

- An enhanced Freeview website to promote the huge breadth of free-to-air content, linking viewers to content on individual broadcaster apps. 

The Freeview mobile app will continue to provide a TV Guide and access to content through individual broadcaster apps. 

The changes will be delivered throughout 2020.

As part of the review, it has been agreed that Free TV Australia will provide management oversight of Freeview through Free TV CEO, Bridget Fair and Finance Director, Camryn Turner.

“I look forward to working with Helen and the Freeview Board to help ensure that Freeview is a strong contributor to the range of free-to-air broadcast and digital services,” Ms Fair said.

Ms Clifton offered her thanks on behalf of the Freeview Board to the Acting Freeview CEO, Julie Flynn, who has guided the Board’s considerations. Ms Flynn will work with Free TV to transition to the new management structure.