Sky's £1.6bn ITV takeover could be blocked after Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy intervenes over media plurality and free expression fears
Sky CEO Dana Strong called the deal a defining moment for British media, though regulators have until 27 January 2027 to report back before Lisa Nandy decides whether to push for a full CMA investigation.
Lisa Nandy told MPs she had issued a Public Interest Intervention Notice under the Enterprise Act, citing fears the £1.6bn merger could harm "free expression of opinion in news media" and reduce plurality of views. Ofcom and the Competition and Markets Authority must report back by January 27, 2027, after which Nandy will decide whether to order a full investigation.
Sky and ITV argue the merged entity would create a 'UK champion' to compete with Netflix and Disney+, expecting around £200m in annual cost savings.
Nandy also plans to introduce new streaming legislation extending media merger public interest rules to on-demand platforms for the first time.
ITV Studios — which makes 'I'm a Celebrity' and 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office' — is excluded from the deal and will remain an independent company.
