UK Secretary Orders Regulators to Probe Sky-ITV Deal

British Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy ordered regulators to examine the proposed 1.6 billion-pound acquisition of ITV’s media and entertainment division by Sky on Wednesday. The notice triggers a formal review by the Competition and Markets Authority and Ofcom regarding the deal’s impact on free speech and the domestic media market.

ITV, the United Kingdom’s largest commercial broadcaster, agreed to sell its media and entertainment assets to Sky in July. The transaction involves ITV’s terrestrial television channels and its streaming service. Sky, a provider of television, internet, and mobile services, is owned by the U.S. company Comcast.

Nandy’s intervention allows the two regulatory bodies to investigate the merger before she decides whether to refer it for a deeper inquiry. The agencies must submit their findings on the deal’s effects by January 27. Nandy also stated she intends to introduce new streaming legislation in response to specific concerns about the combination.

The proposed merger would exclude ITV Studios, the production company behind the series “I’m A Celebrity,” which will remain an independent entity. If the deal receives final approval, the combined Sky-ITV entity is scheduled to become part of NBCUniversal after its separation from Comcast.

Sky stated the tie-up serves the public interest and includes commitments to protect ITV’s identity, public service obligations, and the editorial independence of Sky News and ITV News. ITV said it looks forward to cooperating fully with the upcoming investigation.