By Fatma Younis
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has formally intervened in Sky’s £1.6 billion deal to acquire ITV’s media and entertainment arm, citing public interest concerns.
Regulators tasked with investigation
Nandy issued a Public Interest Intervention Notice directing the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and Ofcom to examine the takeover’s impact on media plurality and free speech in the UK. The regulators must report their findings by January 27.
Streaming legislation planned
The Culture Secretary said she will bring forward new streaming legislation to extend existing public interest considerations to on-demand programmes, aligning the framework with modern viewing habits.
Deal background
Sky agreed in July to buy ITV’s media and entertainment division, including its terrestrial TV channels and the ITVX streaming service. ITV Studios, which produces shows such as I’m A Celebrity and Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, is not part of the sale.
Next steps
Following the CMA and Ofcom reports, Nandy may refer the deal for a further in-depth investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority.
