Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has raised concerns over media plurality and the diversity of on-demand content. Sky and ITV have until October 20 to respond to the government’s objections.
The UK government is considering intervening in Sky’s proposed acquisition of ITV’s television and streaming businesses, a deal valued at up to £1.6 billion (US$2.1 billion), amid concerns over media plurality and the diversity of audiovisual content available to audiences.
On October 15, UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy indicated that she was minded to trigger a public interest intervention and sent letters to both companies outlining her concerns. Sky and ITV have until October 20 to submit their representations before a final decision is made on whether to proceed with the intervention.
The issues under consideration include freedom of expression in the media, diversity of viewpoints and media ownership concentration. The review could also bring renewed attention to the regulatory framework governing the availability of high-quality content on streaming platforms and on-demand services.
Nandy has highlighted that existing legislation addresses the diversity of traditional television broadcasting but does not specifically cover the potential impact of corporate transactions on the range of content available through on-demand services. If the government pursues this approach, it could seek legislative changes to extend these considerations to streaming platforms.
A strategic deal to compete with global streaming platforms
Announced in July 2026, the transaction involves Sky, owned by Comcast, acquiring ITV’s Media & Entertainment business. The deal includes ITV’s free-to-air television channels and its ITVX streaming platform, but excludes ITV Studios, the group’s production and international distribution business.
The combined operation would create one of the UK’s leading commercial media groups, bringing together linear television, on-demand content and news. ITV’s portfolio includes established properties such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Love Island.
Sky argues that the acquisition would provide the scale needed to compete more effectively with global streaming platforms, strengthen British content production and increase the value of its offering to audiences. The company has also said it would preserve ITV’s identity, its free-to-air services and its public service broadcasting obligations, while maintaining the editorial independence of Sky News and ITV News.
ITV, meanwhile, has said it will cooperate fully with the government and described the process as another step in the regulatory review of the transaction. The company believes the combination could benefit viewers, advertisers and the wider UK creative industry.
