ITV in Talks to Sell Networks Arm to Comcast-Owned Sky for $2.1 Billion
ITV has confirmed it is in talks with Sky, the Comcast-backed European pay-TV platform, over a potential sale of its networks arm for £1.6 billion ($2.1 billion). The bid would see Sky take control of ITV's linear channels and the ITVX streaming service, significantly expanding Sky's footprint in the UK media landscape. If completed, the deal would mark a major shift in ownership of core UK media assets and could reshape how audiences discover and engage with both free-to-air and streaming content. The move underscores ongoing consolidation in the UK broadcasting sector as Sky looks to strengthen its content slate and digital reach while ITV seeks value for shareholders and strategic opportunities in a changing market. The transaction would be subject to due diligence and regulatory approvals from UK and EU authorities, with antitrust considerations likely to factor into the timeline. Investors and industry observers will be watching closely for updates on the offer timeline, potential conditions, and the broader impact on UK content production, advertising, and competition in the streaming space. In summary, a Sky-led acquisition of ITV's networks arm would be a watershed development for the UK broadcast ecosystem, boosting Sky's UK content portfolio and altering competitive dynamics among broadcasters, streaming platforms, and advertisers.