Key facts
- Lisa Nandy is "minded to intervene" in Sky's proposed £1.6bn takeover of ITV's media and entertainment division.
- Concerns include free expression, plurality of views, and a wide range of programming.
- Sky and ITV have until October 20 to respond to the culture secretary's concerns.
- The deal does not include ITV Studios, which produces shows like Love Island.
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has stated she is "minded to intervene" in Sky's proposed £1.6 billion acquisition of ITV's media and entertainment division. This move signals a potential deeper scrutiny of the deal, which aims to create the UK's largest commercial broadcaster.
Nandy's concerns center on public interest considerations, including the need for free expression of opinion in news media, a sufficient plurality of views, and a wide range of programming. She noted that Sky News and ITV News together hold a significant share of the linear TV news market, and expressed concern that the merger could reduce the diversity of available news sources, particularly impacting regions outside of England and lower socio-economic groups.
Sky, owned by US giant Comcast, views the acquisition as a strategic move to create a stronger UK-focused media entity capable of competing with global streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. ITV also welcomed the deal, anticipating it would enhance its ability to compete internationally. Both companies have been given until October 20 to respond to Nandy's concerns.