Channel 4 has issued a statement confirming that The Great British Bake Off will remain on its channel, following the announcement that ITV has agreed to sell its media and entertainment arm to Sky for up to £1.6 billion. The deal, announced on Monday (July 6), has sparked speculation that the popular baking show could move to ITV, as Sky's Love Productions is the creator of Bake Off.
Details of the ITV-Sky Deal
The sale includes ITV’s terrestrial TV channels and streaming service ITVX, but excludes its production arm, ITV Studios, which produces shows such as I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! and the drama Mr Bates Vs The Post Office. ITV Studios will become a standalone global content business with shares listed on the London Stock Exchange, and will enter a long-term agreement to supply content to the combined Sky and ITV entity. This includes popular programmes like Love Island, Coronation Street, and Emmerdale.
Channel 4's Response
Following the announcement, reports suggested that Bake Off could move from Channel 4 to ITV, as ITV would gain access to Love Productions. However, Channel 4 has moved to quash these rumours. A spokesperson for Channel 4 and Love Productions told The Telegraph: "Channel 4’s GBBO deal is with Love and as such is unaffected by the Sky ITV deal." The statement added: "The show’s existing multi-year agreement with Love remains in place meaning Bake Off fans will be able to continue to enjoy the show on Channel 4 as usual."
Industry Reactions
Sky is owned by US media giant Comcast, which is in the process of splitting into two companies. Sky’s European business will become part of NBCUniversal. Dana Strong, Sky’s group chief executive, commented: "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."
Andrew Cosslett, chairman of ITV, said that "at a time of rapid change in the industry, it is right that we now secure ITV’s crucial role as a public service broadcaster" and that the combined business will "create a UK champion with the scale and resources to better compete with global streaming platforms."
Impact on Viewers
For Bake Off fans, the confirmation from Channel 4 ensures no immediate disruption to their viewing experience. The show, which has been a staple on Channel 4 since moving from the BBC in 2017, will continue to air on its current home under the multi-year agreement with Love Productions. The deal between ITV and Sky is expected to close pending regulatory approval, but it has no bearing on the existing Bake Off contract.
