Lisa Nandy signals possible intervention in Sky-ITV entertainment deal
UK culture secretary may trigger investigation into £1.6bn Sky acquisition of ITV entertainment arm.
Key facts
- Lisa Nandy said she is "minded to intervene" in the deal, according to BBC.
- The proposed transaction values Sky’s purchase of ITV’s media and entertainment division at £1.6bn, according to BBC.
- Nandy may issue a public interest intervention notice to the Competition and Markets Authority and Ofcom, according to BBC.
- Sky and ITV must respond to the culture secretary’s concerns by 20 October, according to BBC.
- Sky stated it will keep ITV’s identity and separate news voices, according to BBC.
On 15 October 2026, BBC reported that Lisa Nandy said she is "minded to intervene" in the proposed £1.6bn deal for Sky to buy ITV’s media and entertainment division. According to BBC, Nandy believes the tie‑up could affect free expression and the variety of Britain’s news landscape.
Nandy said she may issue a public interest intervention notice to the Competition and Markets Authority and regulator Ofcom. According to BBC, the notice would force an investigation into the merger’s impact on public interest considerations.
Sky said it would "carefully consider" the letter and "engage constructively" with the review. According to BBC, Sky also stated it remains confident that the merger will create a stronger British media.
ITV said it welcomes the publication of the secretary of state’s "minded to" issue and will fully cooperate. According to BBC, ITV noted that the intervention would be made under a new public interest consideration that would require new legislation.
Sky and ITV have until 20 October to respond to the culture secretary’s concerns. According to BBC, the companies must address the potential impact on news diversity and the availability of a wide range of programmes.
Context
The deal involves Sky buying ITV’s broadcasting business, including free‑to‑air channels and ITV X streaming, but not ITV Studios. The merger could give Sky access to millions more viewers and help compete with streaming giants. The UK government is concerned about media plurality.
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