Prime Media withdraws from TV industry body Freeview

Seven affiliate Prime Media has withdrawn from the main television industry body Freeview meaning it will be out of the soon-to-launch HbbTV product FreeviewPlus.

Free-to-air networks have been working with the industry body to launch the new service, which will enable viewers with a set-top box to access a range of other programs and stream catch-up services directly to their TV sets, with a launch set for this month delayed.

The withdrawal was confirmed by Freeview chairman Kim Dalton who said in a statement: “Freeview is about to launch FreeviewPlus, the world’s most advanced free-to-air TV service. Freeview has worked closely with all of Australia’s free-to-air broadcasters, TV manufacturers and retailers to ensure that the benefits of FreeviewPlus will be available to all Australians.

“Freeview remains fully committed to TV audiences in regional Australia. Viewers in these areas will have access to the full range of FreeviewPlus benefits via other regional commercial broadcasters and the national broadcasters, ABC and SBS.”