The Government has formally intervened in Comcast-owned Sky's proposed acquisition of ITV's media and entertainment business. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy issued a Public Interest Intervention Notice on 4 November 2026, asking the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and Ofcom to report by 27 January 2027.

The deal

The deal was agreed in July: £1.6 billion ($2.15 billion) for the ITV unit, with ITV Studios to be separated and listed in London, according to Morningstar's Dow Jones coverage.

Why intervene

The grounds cited are the impact on news plurality, Sky's influence over the media landscape, and the availability of a broad range of programming. After considering both reports, Nandy may refer the deal for an in-depth CMA investigation and will update Parliament. She also said she would not issue a Foreign State Intervention Notice at this time.

Sources: Reuters, UK minister formally intervenes in Sky's £1.6 billion ITV deal, 4 November 2026; Morningstar / Dow Jones, UK government intervenes in Sky-ITV deal.