Fetch TV, the Sydney-based entertainment aggregation platform, is set to integrate Free-to-Air (FTA) channels into its IP feeds via the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) from next month. This move is targeted at resolving reception issues for households with no or poor FTA reception. The FTA IP channel feeds are currently available for viewing on the Fetch platform via individual FTA BVOD Apps. Fetch TV will now incorporate these feeds into the EPG for added convenience.

Fetch TV CEO, Scott Lorson, explains the rationale behind the move, "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."

It's important to note that 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 and other programming differences. Fetch TV continues to advocate for the anti-siphoning legislation to include the FTA IP feeds or “digital twin”.

"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," Lorson added.