UK Culture Secretary Approves Sky-ITV Investigation

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy just greenlit a formal investigation into the two point two billion dollar Sky and ITV deal. She issued a public interest intervention notice after previously saying she was minded to intervene last month. Ofcom and the CMA must now report back by January twenty seventh with their findings. Nandy is worried about free expression and having enough distinct views in the news media. And here is the catch. She is also bringing forward new legislation to update broadcasting rules so they finally include streaming services. Unlike the recent Paramount, Warner, and Skydance deal that sailed right through, this one is getting full regulatory scrutiny. The multi-billion pound merger shocked the broadcasting world when it was announced late last year. Sky was spun out earlier this year under NBCUniversal. The newly merged entity will actually leave out ITV Studios entirely. But Sky Studios boss Cécile Frot-Coutaz wants to put hit shows like The Day of the Jackal free-to-air on ITV.