Sky Nears ITV Channel Deal, Keeping Free-to-Air Service Until 2034
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 4
Sky Nears ITV Channel Deal, Keeping Free-to-Air Service Until 2034
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 4
Summary
Sky is expected to imminently buy ITV’s TV and streaming channels, including ITVX, in a takeover that would leave ITV Studios outside the deal as a separately listed company.
2034 is the key constraint: ITV’s public service licence requires a free-to-air service until then, so shows such as Coronation Street, Love Island and Emmerdale are not expected to move behind a paywall soon.
Comcast-owned Sky wants ITV’s mass audience, top electronic guide prominence and public-service eligibility to bid for listed sports events, while using the combined business to build a stronger UK streaming rival to Netflix and Disney+.
A supply agreement is expected to keep ITV Studios making core ITV shows for now, though Sky could later seek savings by merging technology platforms such as ITVX and NOW and integrating programming more closely.
2031 is another milestone for news: ITV’s contract with ITN runs until then, after which questions could reopen over whether Sky would keep separate news operations or reshape ITV’s news production.
Will Sky's takeover of ITV sacrifice British TV's unique identity in the global streaming wars?
As one company nears control of UK TV ads and news, can regulators protect media diversity?
Sky and Comcast’s ITV Takeover: £120 Million Deal Sparks Regulatory Scrutiny Over 70% UK TV Ad Market Share
Overview
In July 2026, Sky, owned by Comcast, announced the acquisition of ITV’s media and entertainment unit, including Love Productions, while ITV Studios remains independent. This major deal immediately drew attention from UK regulators, as combining ITV and Sky’s TV advertising sales could give Comcast control of over 70% of the UK ad market. Such dominance is expected to trigger intervention from the Competition Markets Authority, which may require Sky to give up some third-party ad sales deals. The deal’s scale and potential impact on competition and media plurality highlight the intense regulatory scrutiny it now faces.