ITV sees solid results despite $26M junk food ad hit
ITV sees solid results for the first half of 2026, with a 2% uplift across major profit centers and steady group revenue of £1.9 billion ($2.5 billion). Streaming platform ITVX grew viewing 27%, while junk food ad rules cost ITV £20 million ($26 million) in advertising revenue. The figures are the first published since news that ITV is selling its media and entertainment arm to Comcast-owned Sky, with ITV Studios set to spin off as an independent listed company. For more Streaming & TV Alerts, follow our coverage hub.
Key Takeaways
- Group revenue held at £1.9 billion ($2.5 billion); adjusted EBITA rose 2% to £145 million.
- ITVX viewing jumped 27%; digital ad revenue rose 13% despite a $26 million junk-food regulation hit.
- ITV Studios EBITA fell 9% to £97 million on delivery phasing ahead of the planned spin-off.
- Total advertising revenue grew 8% year-on-year, helped by World Cup demand.
- ITV warned next-quarter ads may fall about 5% amid macroeconomic headwinds.
How did ITV’s half-year numbers actually stack up?
According to Variety, ITV described the period as “solid” if underwhelming. Group adjusted EBITA held near flat at £145 million, up 2% from £142 million in the first half of 2025.
That remains well below the £212 million posted in the first six months of 2024, when the Euros soccer tournament delivered a major boost. The 2026 World Cup did not match that lift after England’s exit in the quarter finals cut U.K. viewing interest.
Even so, total advertising revenue grew 8% year-on-year. ITV credited “strong advertising and sponsorship demand” tied to the tournament.
Why did ITV take a $26 million advertising hit?
ITVX remained a bright spot, delivering record viewing with 27% growth in the first half. Advertising revenue on the platform rose 13% year-on-year.
Those gains were tempered by a £20 million ($26 million) hit after U.K. government regulations on junk food commercials took effect in October 2025. ITV said it is working closely with advertisers to mitigate the impact.
Looking ahead, the company warned advertising is likely to drop by 5% in the next quarter, reflecting macroeconomic headwinds, which would leave nine-month results roughly flat.
What does this mean for ITV Studios and the Sky deal?
News at ITV Studios was softer ahead of its planned spin-off. Total revenue held steady with a 2% uplift, but EBITA dropped 9% to £97 million from £107 million a year earlier.
ITV blamed “phasing of deliveries,” with several titles backloaded to the second half. High-profile shows still included Love Island, Rivals for Disney+, and The Gentlemen for Netflix. Large 2025 streaming deliveries such as One Piece and The Better Sister were not repeated at the same scale in early 2026.
CEO Carolyn McCall said ITV remains on track for full-year guidance, citing good Studios revenue growth and strong digital growth within Media & Entertainment. Shareholders received an interim dividend of 1.7p and a £100 million share buyback. McCall also confirmed the regulatory process on the Sky acquisition is underway.