Sky is expected to buy ITV’s TV channels and ITVX streaming service in the UK. An announcement may come soon. The deal may change British television, because it joins ITV’s free audience with Sky’s paid TV business.
Sky sells pay TV, internet, and mobile services. It is owned by Comcast, an American company. ITV is the UK’s oldest commercial TV network. It started in 1955 as a rival to the BBC.
The talks did not begin suddenly. Sky has talked about buying ITV’s media and entertainment business since last year. This includes ITVX. It looks like part of a bigger business plan.
For viewers, famous ITV shows should stay free for now. Coronation Street, Love Island, Emmerdale, and I’m a Celebrity are not expected to change soon. ITV must keep free-to-air TV until at least 2034. This means people can watch without a subscription.
Sky wants ITV’s large UK audience and ITVX. It may use them to build a stronger UK streaming service against Netflix and Disney Plus. Later, some programmes may move from free ITV to a paid platform. Caroline Frost of Radio Times says this may happen after shows first appear on free or live TV.
ITV Studios is not part of the sale. It makes and owns programmes through more than 60 production companies. It may become ITV Studios PLC, owned by today’s ITV shareholders. A supply deal may let it keep making shows for the Sky-owned business.
Producers see chances here. Patrick Spence, who won a BAFTA for Mr Bates vs The Post Office, said ITV and Sky fit well together. That drama had about 15 million viewers in 2024. Camilla Lewis of Curve Media says local shows can bring people back. The deal may also save money and change where British programmes appear.