UK Government Investigates £1.6 Billion Sky–ITV Takeover Over Media Competition Concerns

2026, November 5

United Kingdom / United States

The British government has referred the proposed £1.6 billion acquisition of ITV's television and streaming business by Sky for regulatory scrutiny. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy asked the Competition and Markets Authority and media regulator Ofcom to investigate the deal, examining its potential impact on Britain's media landscape, competition and freedom of expression. Sky is owned by American media giant Comcast.

The proposed transaction would combine ITV's traditional television channels and streaming platform with Sky's existing broadcasting and entertainment operations, creating a stronger competitor to international streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+. The investigation must report its findings by 27 January 2027. ITV Studios, responsible for producing programmes including I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, is excluded from the acquisition and will remain independent.