The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the Office of Communications (Ofcom) have until Jan. 27, 2027, to assess the media plurality and free speech effects of Sky’s planned purchase of ITV’s media business for up to £1.6 billion.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy issued the Public Interest Intervention Notice on Nov. 4 under section 42 of the Enterprise Act 2002. She had indicated in October that she was considering intervention and reviewed responses from Sky and ITV before acting. The notice begins a formal review but does not itself approve or block the transaction. EconoTimes previously covered the government’s preliminary review of the deal.
The CMA will report on whether it has jurisdiction over the purchase and on its competitive effects. Ofcom will examine public-interest issues, including freedom of expression in news, the range of views available and plurality of media ownership. Its assessment also covers whether audiences have access to a broad selection of high-quality broadcast and on-demand programs.
Nandy said she intends to introduce legislation extending an existing public-interest consideration for broadcasting to on-demand programs. She pointed to changes in viewing habits and concerns about the transaction.
The sale covers ITV’s linear channels and streaming service ITVX; production business ITV Studios is excluded and would remain independent. Sky estimated that the combined operation could account for about 20% of viewing in U.K. homes, behind the BBC and ahead of YouTube.
Sky says combining the businesses would improve its ability to compete with international streaming services and support British content. It said commitments would preserve ITV’s identity and public service broadcasting obligations, while keeping the editorial positions of Sky News and ITV News distinct. ITV described the notice as a major milestone and said it would cooperate with the regulators.
After the reports are submitted, Nandy may decide whether to refer the proposed purchase to the CMA for a more detailed investigation.
