Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy signalled she plans to intervene in Sky's £1.6bn acquisition of ITV's broadcasting and streaming arm, triggering formal regulatory scrutiny of a deal that would combine the UK's two largest commercial broadcasters.
Nandy's "minded to intervene" statement initiates a process that allows deeper examination of the transaction under UK merger rules. Sky announced the deal over summer. The combined entity would become Britain's biggest commercial broadcaster.
The acquisition represents a significant consolidation in British public service media ownership. ITV's broadcasting division operates the main commercial terrestrial television service and streaming platform, while Sky operates satellite and broadband services. Merging them would concentrate substantial reach and influence over commercial UK broadcasting.
Nandy's move triggers formal investigation powers that can lead to intervention orders, conditions on the deal, or blocking. The statement does not confirm the secretary will ultimately block the transaction, but signals the government believes the deal warrants close examination before approval.