Freesat, the subscription free satellite TV service, has confirmed the launch of the new BBC News app and BBC Sport app on its Freetime service – the only free TV platform or service to feature these. The two new BBC-branded apps will have a similar look and feel to the BBC’s current online and connected TV apps, and greatly expands the amount of specialist news and sports video programming available.

For next month’s Winter Olympics in Russia, Freesat Freetime viewers will be offered up to six live HD video streams, delivering over 650 hours of live sporting action from Sochi 2014. Viewers can also keep up with the latest video highlights and analysis along with news headlines and a live medal table direct from the Games.

Customers who click on the BBC News app for Freesat, through the Freetime TV Guide, will see the latest news reports from the BBC direct to the TV screen, providing access to up-to-date news videos and a rolling text news service, updated around the clock. The BBC Sport app for Freesat offers live and On Demand action from the BBC Sport team, with plans to feature upcoming high profile live sporting events including the Winter Olympics, Six Nations Rugby, F1, Wimbledon, World Cup 2014 and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Commenting on the launch, Emma Scott, Freesat’s Managing Director, said: “Every week, more than four million viewers enjoy their favourite TV on Freesat and our mission is to continue to provide them with reasons to carry on loving our service whilst also attracting new homes. Hot on the heels of the recent launch of our highly popular Freesat App, this is a good example of how we are constantly innovating to improve. Our partnership with the BBC to provide live and On Demand access to up-to-the minute news and a huge volume of sporting action with these BBC apps is testament to this. We are thrilled that Freesat Freetime is currently the only free TV platform or service to be able to provide this. “

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