ITV Managing Director Says Sky Deal Makes Sense Despite Uncertainty

At the Edinburgh TV Festival, ITV managing director Kevin Lygo affirmed that the proposed acquisition by Comcast-owned Sky makes strategic sense, despite the uncertainty surrounding regulatory clearance that could last a year. He explained that, pending approval, ITV will maintain its current business structure and keep its commissioning strategy for 2027 and most of 2028 unchanged. Lygo avoided commenting on potential job impacts, citing legal restrictions that prevent either side from discussing individual outcomes.

He emphasized that Sky will be bound by ITV’s public-service broadcasting licence, which remains in force until 2034 and includes obligations for news and independent production outside London. Lygo suggested that any post-deal adjustments will be incremental and largely invisible to viewers, arguing that Sky would not invest heavily if it intended to dismantle ITV’s core operations.