Sky has agreed to acquire ITV for £1.6 million, a deal that merges two of the UK's most trusted media organisations. The transaction, announced on July 6, 2026, ensures ITV channels and ITVX will remain free-to-air, with audiences continuing to enjoy beloved programmes and regional news.
Sky and ITV Merger Details
The combined entity will unite free-to-air broadcasting, advertising-funded streaming, and subscription television with Sky's broader portfolio. ITV currently reaches approximately 40 million weekly viewers and over 16.5 million monthly digital users. Together, Sky and ITV will account for about 20% of in-home viewing in the UK, second only to the BBC and ahead of YouTube.
Dana Strong, CBE, Sky Group CEO, described the deal as a 'defining moment for British media.' She stated: 'We have huge respect for the transformation the ITV team has delivered, particularly its successful move into streaming through ITVX, which has brought fantastic British content to millions of viewers across the UK. Bringing Sky and ITV Media & Entertainment together combines the very best of free-to-air television, pay TV and streaming, ensuring viewers across the UK continue to enjoy outstanding British programming in a rapidly changing world. TV will remain a public service broadcaster at the heart of British life, and we're excited about the future we can build together.'
Impact on Coronation Street and Emmerdale
Soap fans have expressed concern over the future of Emmerdale and Coronation Street amid industry-wide budget cuts and the axing of shows like Holby City, Doctors, and Neighbours between 2022 and 2025. However, both soaps are produced by ITV Studios, which is not included in the sale to Sky. This means they will largely remain unchanged.
Similarly, other ITV Studios productions such as Love Island, I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!, and Line of Duty (for the BBC) are unaffected.
Future Programming and Paywall Considerations
While content on ITV itself could gradually move behind a paywall, the company's public service broadcasting licence requires free-to-air service until at least 2034. Some less popular shows may face cancellation, with ITV Studios able to find new platforms or cease production. For now, however, it is business as usual for Emmerdale and Coronation Street, which remain cornerstones of ITV's output.
