Fetch to add free-to-air IP channels to TV Guide: FTA still #1 for viewers

Fetch TV will be making free-to-air (FTA) channels available as IP feeds via the Fetch Electronic Program Guide (EPG) from next month.

Fetch households with no or poor FTA reception will have easier access to FTA program information and single-click channel access from the EPG.

The FTA IP channel feeds are currently available for viewing on the Fetch platform via the individual FTA BVOD Apps. Fetch will now provide the convenience of integration into the EPG.

Scott Lorson

Fetch TV: ‘EPG remains at the centre of content discovery’

Scott Lorson, CEO of Fetch TV, said: “Households with no or poor FTA reception represent a large and growing segment, and include homes in digital terrestrial black spots, multi-dwelling units with no FTA access, new estates where antennas are not permitted, homes with no or broken aerials, and even rooms where no aerial socket is present. Australian families without FTA reception are looking for solutions.

“Fetch recognises the importance of access to FTA channels and apps, with FTA viewing continuing to represent the majority of all TV viewing. We also know that the EPG remains at the centre of content discovery and channel navigation, and we are keen to extend this convenience to all customers.”

The FTA IP feeds do not currently represent a “like for like” replacement of the terrestrial feeds, as they are subject to some sport and programming blackouts as well as other programming differences, particularly with respect to regional vs metro news.

Lorson added: “We continue to advocate for the anti-siphoning legislation to include the FTA IP feeds or ‘digital twin’, given the critical role that FTA IP feeds will play in preserving access to FTA channels and sport into the future. We also welcome efforts to extend access to regional news, and preserve logical channel numbering (1-99) for the FTA channels.”

See also: Fetch TV markets itself as an easy option in a world where TV viewing is complicated