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UK regulatory scrutiny of Sky-ITV merger

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2026-11-04 14:09 UTC → 2026-11-08 09:32 UTC · added ~~removed~~

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has initiated formal regulatory processes regarding Sky UK Limited’s proposed £1.6 billion acquisition of ITV’s media and entertainment business. In mid-October, Nandy announced she was “minded to intervene” due to concerns regarding news media plurality, the free expression of opinion, and the availability of diverse programming. She also signaled intentions to introduce new legislation to expand regulatory oversight to include on-demand and streaming services. By early November, Nandy issued a formal Public Interest Intervention Notice (PIIN). This action triggers investigations by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) into competition and jurisdictional matters, and by Ofcom into media public interest considerations. The deal, which includes ITV’s terrestrial channels and the ITVX streaming platform but excludes ITV Studios, remains under review. Nandy will decide whether to refer the merger for a more detailed CMA investigation following the receipt of reports from both regulators. Regulators have until January 27 to report on the potential impact of the merger on media plurality and free speech. Analysts suggest the intervention could delay or potentially block the transaction, which was intended to shift ITV’s strategy toward TV production and reduce its reliance on advertising revenue.

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