NRT briefing
Nandy 'minded to intervene' in Sky's £1.6bn takeover of ITV entertainment arm
Based on reporting by BBC News.
The Brief
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has said she is "minded to intervene" in Sky's proposed £1.6bn takeover of ITV's media and entertainment division, citing concerns over media plurality and free expression.
In a letter to both companies, Nandy said she was considering issuing a public interest intervention notice (PIIN) to the Competition and Markets Authority and Ofcom, prompting an investigation. She cited the need to protect free expression, a range of views, diverse media ownership, and a wide variety of programming across the UK.
The letter noted that Sky News and ITV News together hold a 26% share of linear TV news viewing, with 86% controlled by the BBC and the combined Sky/ITV. Nandy argued the deal could particularly harm viewers in the North of England, other UK nations, and lower socio-economic groups, who rely more on broadcast news.
Sky said it would "carefully consider" the letter and "engage constructively," while ITV welcomed the process. Both companies have until 20 October to respond. Nandy's intervention would require new legislation, as current laws do not cover on-demand or streaming programmes.