Sky plots ITV break-up bid that could transform UK television

Sky, owned by US giant Comcast, is reportedly in preliminary discussions to acquire ITV's broadcasting arm, which includes its television channels and the streaming service ITVX, for approximately £1.6 billion. This potential deal, which would not encompass ITV's production division, ITV Studios, is seen as a significant move to create a stronger UK streaming competitor against major players like Netflix and Amazon. Sky's primary interest lies in ITVX's substantial user base of 40 million registered users, viewing it as a valuable platform to promote Sky's own productions and potentially attract viewers to subscription services. The acquisition could also lead to Sky Sports content being broadcast on ITV platforms, mirroring existing strategies where some sports are made available to all Sky TV customers regardless of their subscription tier. Sky would also gain ITV's 40 percent stake in ITN, the news provider. While sources downplayed any immediate plans to merge ITN with Sky News, the transaction is anticipated to be transformative for the UK television industry and could result in foreign control of a major commercial broadcaster. The news sent ITV s... download the app to read more