By Karim Hammam
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has formally intervened in Sky’s £1.6 billion acquisition of ITV’s media and entertainment division, issuing a Public Interest Intervention Notice that directs the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and Ofcom to examine the deal’s impact on media plurality and free speech.
Regulators to Examine Public Interest
The CMA and Ofcom must report their findings by 27 January. Based on those reports, Nandy may refer the takeover for a deeper investigation. She also plans to introduce new streaming legislation to address concerns about the merger’s effect on on-demand programming.
Deal Details and Exclusions
The July agreement would transfer ITV’s terrestrial TV channels and streaming service ITVX to Sky, creating a larger British competitor to global streaming platforms. ITV Studios, which produces shows such as “I’m A Celebrity” and “Mr Bates Vs The Post Office,” is not included in the sale.
Responses from Sky and ITV
Sky said the combination would strengthen British media, protect public service broadcasting obligations, and preserve the editorial independence of Sky News and ITV News. ITV described the intervention as a major milestone in the regulatory process and pledged full cooperation with the authorities.
