ITV boss hopeful Sky takeover will clear regulators
ITV boss Carolyn McCall says she is hopeful NBCUniversal-owned Sky's acquisition of the 70-year-old British public service broadcaster will clear U.K. regulators, arguing the market has changed so fundamentally that Sky and ITV together would hold only about 20% of video advertising. She expects a lengthy phase-two review and public interest test but believes the conditions now favor approval.
Key Takeaways
- Sky, owned by NBCUniversal, is acquiring ITV's broadcast and streaming business after Monday's announcement.
- ITV boss hopeful Sky deal will pass scrutiny despite a likely phase-two regulatory review and public interest test.
- McCall says Sky was ITV's preferred partner and that she approached the pay-TV operator to open talks.
- The CEO argues video advertising now pits broadcasters against a far wider field of global competitors.
- Regulators including Ofcom and the CMA are expected to scrutinize the deal before any final government decision.
What Did ITV's CEO Say About the Sky Deal?
Following news on Monday morning that Sky is acquiring ITV, Carolyn McCall joined a series of calls with investors and media to explain the logistics. On the investor call, she said the sale reflects the ITV board weighing its strategic options, with Sky at the top of the list from the start.
McCall described how ITV approached Sky directly: "Do you want to talk further?" She said shifts in viewing habits since the pandemic and the accelerating scale of global streamers in the U.K. made the timing right for a transaction.
Why Is the ITV Boss Hopeful Sky Will Clear Regulators?
McCall told investors she does not expect a quick review. "We know it is likely to go to phase two, and there will be a public interest test as well," she said. "We're under no illusion it will be a thorough review."
Yet the ITV boss is hopeful the Sky acquisition will clear regulators because, as she put it, "the market has changed so fundamentally, I think it's very difficult not to see that." She pointed to advertising, noting it is no longer three broadcasters competing for linear spots but enormous numbers of players chasing video advertising.
McCall said Sky and ITV combined would represent about 20% of that market — a share she described as "very low." She argued the whole landscape has changed for viewers and advertisers alike, and that regulators should recognize the shift.
Which Regulators Will Review the Sky-ITV Acquisition?
The deal is expected to face close scrutiny from U.K. authorities, including the Competition and Markets Authority, Ofcom and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. A phase-two investigation would extend the timeline beyond a routine clearance.
Variety reported that despite the thorough process, the transaction is likely to pass because it represents one of the few paths through which U.K. media companies can compete against U.S. giants such as YouTube. For more consolidation and regulatory developments, see our Streaming & TV Alerts coverage.
What Happens to ITV After the Sky Takeover?
McCall framed Sky as ITV's preferred partner throughout the board's strategic review. The Monday announcement marks a major reshaping of British television, bringing together a legacy public service broadcaster with NBCUniversal-owned Sky.
Full regulatory sign-off remains the critical next step. McCall's message to investors was clear: expect scrutiny, but bet on a market that no longer looks like the one regulators judged in earlier consolidation debates. Read the full investor briefing in Variety's report.