Reuters information states that Sky will pay £1.6 billion pounds (apprx. €1.9 billion euros / $2.3 billion) for ITV's television channels and streaming services.
Founded in 1955, ITV, originally Independent Television, has long been Britain's largest commercial TV channel. The company holds a nationwide license for three TV channels in the UK, and also has channels visible exclusively on cable and satellite networks in Britain.
Thanks to the deal, Sky, which originally started as satellite channels, will gain more viewers in Britain, especially in households that are not satellite or cable television viewers.
According to BBC information, ITV's program production unit, ITV Studios, is not part of the deal and will continue as an independent company.
ITV's channels will continue to be available for free viewing until at least 2034, as the terms of ITV's current TV broadcasting license will remain valid even after the acquisition.
The companies justify the acquisition by stating that traditional television channels no longer primarily compete with each other, but rather fight for people's time, especially against YouTube and Netflix.
Written by: Petteri Pyyny @ 6 Jul 2026 14:19
