Shorts: Freely, Aston Villa, Hull City

A new free TV service that combines live schedules from public service broadcasters into one platform will be made available next year.

The BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 have announced that viewers will soon be able to browse and watch live TV channels together with on-demand content streamed straight to their smart TV.

Freely, is the name given to the conjoined platform combining a line-up of public service broadcasters and other free-to-air channels and will be built into smart TVs.

Everyone TV, previously Digital UK, will run the platform. Everyone TV currently operates Freeview and its satellite twin Freesat.

Tim Davie, Director-General of the BBC, said, “Ensuring the universality of public-service television is sustained into the future is of paramount importance to the UK and all its public service broadcasters.

“We are delighted to be deepening our collaboration in helping viewers access our content, ensuring that, in a digital age, we deliver value for all audiences and that no one is left behind.”

Dame Carolyn McCall, Chief Executive Officer of ITV, commented, “As more and more UK households use internet-connected TVs, it’s critical that the public service broadcaster channels remain available and easy for them to find.

“This new collaboration enables the UK public to continue to get all of their favourite British TV channels, for free – just as Freeview did at the advent of digital TV.”

Premier League football club Aston Villa has announced four new appointments to the senior leadership team at Villa Park.

Ron Erskine has joined as the club’s Chief Commercial Officer. Erskine is a commercial executive with 35 years’ experience in the sports business. His portfolio includes spells at global sports marketing agency, Octagon, as well as the NBA, the New York Red Bulls in MLS and most recently at CSM Sport and Entertainment where he was responsible for the commercial programmes at the US Open Tennis Championships and the WTA Tour.

Following Erskine into Villa Park, Ben Hatton joins as Chief Operating Officer. A chartered accountant, Hatton brings 25 years of international football experience to the team. He spent ten years at Manchester United, AS Roma and most recently Blackpool FC where, as Managing Director, he was responsible for the transition of the club to new, stable ownership.

Richard Stevens has come on board as the club’s Vice President, Strategy and Analytics where he joins from global mobility app, Free Now, having also spent six years consulting at KPMG.

And, completing the line-up of new hires, is Ryan Disdier. Disdier arrives as Vice President, Content and Digital. An experienced social media executive, Disdier has worked with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Washington Wizards in the NBA as well as the Washington Commanders in the NFL.

Elsewhere, Club Ambassador and former player, Ahmed Elmohamady, is now working closely with the club’s commercial department in a full-time capacity.

Chris Heck, President of Business Operations at Aston Villa, said, “I’m delighted to be able to welcome four fantastic operators in their respective fields to the Senior Leadership Team at Villa Park. And, of course, bring Elmo back to the club in an official role.

“This has been a thoughtful process, looking at areas we could strengthen our existing management structure, and I’m excited we now have a team in place that can help project this great football club forward as we embark on the next leg of our exciting journey.

“It’s time to awaken this sleeping giant of a football club – both on and off the pitch – and our supporters have every right to feel excited about what the future holds. Aston Villa is a huge, historic institution that is on the rise again.”

EFL Championship club Hull City has partnered with biscuit manufacturer Disdier.

As principal partner the brand will feature on the back of first team playing kits alongside all first team training wear.

As part of the agreement, McVitie’s will feature heavily on matchdays at the MKM Stadium and also across the club’s social media channels and new digital platforms.

Acun Ilicali, Chairman of Hull City, said, “As a club, we are delighted to be entering a partnership with McVitie’s – one of the most iconic brands in the country.”

The National Football League (NFL) will touch down at London’s Battersea Power Station this October for a one-day fan event to celebrate the NFL 2023 London Games.

The ‘NFL Experience London,’ an immersive American football takeover to bring fans closer to the game on and off the field, will take place on Saturday, 7th October, with a host of activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings will have fan activations at the venue.

Henry Hodgson, General Manager at NFL UK, said, “We are bringing the very best of the NFL to the iconic Battersea Power Station in London to celebrate. We’re looking forward to welcoming fans and those new to the sport to experience American football, as the capital embraces the NFL coming to town.”

London will host three international games starting at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, 1st October for Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Atlanta Falcons. The focus will then shift to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, 8 October and the Tennessee Titans vs. the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, 15th October.

Scottish Premiership side Livingston FC has unveiled The Centre, Livingston as the men’s first-team sleeve sponsor until the end of the 2024/25 season.

The shopping centre will have their logo on display on the left sleeve of our men’s first-team kit for the remainder of this campaign and into next season, where the logo will also appear on the replica shirts too.

Robert Graham, Deputy Centre Director at The Centre, said, “We are delighted to be sponsoring our local football club, Livingston FC, which is on our doorstep and at the heart of the community, and seemed a natural partnership for us.

“We wish everyone at the club all the very the best for the season ahead.”

Dave Black, Chief Executive Officer of Livingston FC, added, “I’m delighted that we’ve agreed this partnership with The Centre, Livingston and I offer my sincere thanks to Robert and his team for their hard work in helping to get this concluded.

“The Centre is synonymous with the town, so it was a natural conversation to have and it’s great to now have their logo proudly displayed on our men’s first-team shirts.

“It’s been no great secret that the club has been working hard to increase commercial revenue and this partnership helps do just that for the next two seasons.

“I look forward to working with everyone at The Centre over the duration of the partnership and seeing how we can work together to strengthen the relationship and help grow both their presence in the town and ours.”

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