Sky has announced it will acquire ITV in a landmark £1.6bn deal, uniting two of Britain's biggest broadcasters. The sale, which follows talks that began in November 2025, was revealed today as one of the largest media takeovers in UK history.
What the Deal Includes
The acquisition covers ITV's broadcast channels and its ITVX streaming service, but excludes ITV's studio division. The deal reflects the intense competition traditional broadcasters face from streaming platforms that are drawing audiences away from live television.
Sky has pledged that all fan-favourite ITV shows will remain free-to-air, along with "more free-to-air sport on ITV than ever before." ITV channels and ITVX will continue to be free, meeting all public service broadcasting commitments.
Audience Guarantees
Viewers will still enjoy beloved programmes such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Love Island, I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, This Morning, Loose Women, Lorraine, and News at Ten, alongside major live sporting events. ITV News and Sky News will continue to provide "trusted journalism to audiences across the UK."
Executive Comment
Dana Strong (CBE), Sky Group CEO, said: "Bringing Sky and ITV Media & Entertainment together combines the very best of free-to-air television, pay TV and streaming, ensuring viewers across the UK continue to enjoy outstanding British programming in a rapidly changing world. ITV will remain a public service broadcaster at the heart of British life, and we’re excited about the future we can build together."
