Sky and ITV are reportedly close to an acquisition deal that would see the telecoms operator take over the UK’s most-watched free-to-air PSB.
The deal would see Sky take over ITV’s media and entertainment (M&E) division, which is home to its TV channels and ITVX streaming platform.
ITV shareholders would retain ownership of the production and distribution division, ITV Studios.
In a first-quarter financial update this week, ITV said that talks with Sky – which it first confirmed in November 2025 – are ongoing.
“We remain in active discussions with Sky regarding a possible sale of the M&E business. We will update the market in due course,” said ITV.
An ITV News report, quoting inside sources, said that an agreement could be reached within weeks, while acknowledging that the talks had lasted longer than expected.
The report said that part of Sky’s production business is set to move to ITV Studios as part of the transaction. Sky owns Love Productions, which makes The Great British Bake Off for Channel 4.
Sky is part of US giant Comcast, which spans broadband, cable television, mobile telephony, Universal Studios, and its theme parks.
ITV reported first-quarter 2026 revenues of £877m, flat year-over-year, with growth in its studios and digital businesses offsetting a modest decline in total advertising revenue (TAR). Total revenues were in line with analyst expectations.
Studio's revenue grew 4%, and digital revenue rose 12%, countering a 1.5% dip in TAR.
Carolyn McCall, Chief Executive at ITV, said: “While we are monitoring the ongoing difficult geopolitical environment, we are focused on what we can control and remain on track to deliver our full year guidance of good revenue growth in ITV Studios and strong profitable digital revenue growth in M&E."
Three superindie groups – Banijay UK, Fremantle, and ITV Studios – recently signed Bafta Albert’s Climate Content Pledge, committing to tell on-screen stories about tackling climate change. Discover more here.
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