ITV and Sky Continue Talks About Possible Sale of Media and Entertainment Division

May 14, 2026, 09:36
EuropeFinance

Introduction

ITV has confirmed that it is still in discussions with Sky regarding the possible sale of its broadcasting business for approximately £1.6 billion.

Main Body

The proposed deal involves selling ITV's media and entertainment (M&E) division to the company owned by Comcast. If this agreement happens, it would create a combined broadcasting and streaming service to compete with global giants like Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+ in the UK. The financial terms reportedly include an extra payment of up to £200 million based on future performance. However, the sale does not include ITV Studios, the production branch, which remains a separate and stable asset. Financial data for the quarter ending March 31 shows that total advertising revenue fell by 2% compared to last year. Specifically, the M&E division saw a 2% drop to £477 million, although digital revenue grew by 12%. In contrast, ITV Studios grew by 4%, reaching £400 million. Management expects advertising revenue to rise by 10% in the second quarter, as they predict a 4% growth for the first half of the year due to higher demand from advertisers for the men's football World Cup in July. Market analysts have noted that these negotiations have taken a long time since they began in November 2025. Dan Coatsworth from AJ Bell suggested that the delay might be caused by disagreements over the price. He further emphasized that if ITV and Sky cannot reach an agreement, other options could include a buyout by European broadcasters like TF1 or interest from private equity firms that want to separate the high-value Studios division from the rest of the company.

Conclusion

ITV continues its negotiations with Sky while focusing on its studio business and digital growth during a period of unstable advertising markets.

Learning

🚀 The 'B2 Leap': Mastering Conditional Logic

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop speaking in simple present facts and start speaking in possibilities.

Look at this sentence from the text:

*"If this agreement happens, it would create a combined broadcasting and streaming service..."

💡 Why this is the "B2 Secret"

An A2 student says: "The deal happens. They make a big company." (Two separate facts).

A B2 student says: "If X happens, Y would happen." (Connecting a cause to a hypothetical result).

🛠️ Breaking it Down

The Structure: If + [Present Action] →\rightarrow would + [Result]

In the article, the writer uses 'would' because the sale isn't finished yet. It is a possibility, not a guarantee. This allows you to discuss business, dreams, or risks without sounding too simple.

📈 Level Up Your Vocabulary

Notice how the text describes changes. Instead of just saying "go up" or "go down," use these B2-level descriptors found in the article:

  • Rise/Growth →\rightarrow Use for positive trends (e.g., "Digital revenue grew by 12%").
  • Drop/Fall →\rightarrow Use for negative trends (e.g., "Advertising revenue fell by 2%").
  • Stable Asset →\rightarrow Something that stays strong and doesn't change quickly.

⚡ Quick Application

Try to rewrite your thoughts using this logic:

  • A2: I study English. I get a better job.
  • B2 Bridge: If I study English, I would get a better job.

Vocabulary Learning

broadcasting (n.)
The act of transmitting information to a wide audience via radio, TV, or internet.
Example:The broadcasting of the football match attracted millions of viewers.
approximately (adv.)
Roughly, close to a certain number or amount.
Example:The cost was approximately £1.6 billion.
proposed (adj.)
Suggested as a plan or idea.
Example:The proposed deal was to sell the media and entertainment division.
division (n.)
A part or segment of a larger organization.
Example:The media and entertainment division was the subject of the sale.
agreement (n.)
A decision reached by two or more parties.
Example:An agreement would create a combined service.
combined (adj.)
Joined together to form a single entity.
Example:The combined service would compete with global giants.
streaming (adj.)
Relating to the continuous transmission of audio or video over the internet.
Example:The streaming service offers on‑demand content.
compete (v.)
To vie or contest against others.
Example:They plan to compete with Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+.
giants (n.)
Very large or powerful companies.
Example:Netflix and Amazon are considered giants in the industry.
financial (adj.)
Relating to money or economic matters.
Example:The financial terms included an extra payment of up to £200 million.
performance (n.)
How well something works or is carried out.
Example:The payment was based on future performance.
production (n.)
The process of creating goods or services.
Example:ITV Studios is a production branch.
stable (adj.)
Not changing or fluctuating.
Example:ITV Studios remains a stable asset.
revenue (n.)
Money earned from sales or services.
Example:Advertising revenue fell by 2% compared to last year.
negotiations (n.)
Discussions aimed at reaching an agreement.
Example:Negotiations have taken a long time since they began in November 2025.
digital (adj.)
Relating to technology using computers or the internet.
Example:Digital revenue grew by 12% this quarter.
growth (n.)
Increase in size, amount, or importance.
Example:ITV Studios grew by 4% this year.
demand (n.)
The desire or need for something.
Example:Higher demand from advertisers was expected for the men's football World Cup.
buyout (n.)
Purchase of a company or part of it by another.
Example:A buyout by European broadcasters was considered.
equity (n.)
Value of shares in a company.
Example:Private equity firms want to separate the high‑value studios division.
private (adj.)
Owned by individuals or companies, not by the government.
Example:Private equity firms were interested in the sale.
unstable (adj.)
Not steady; likely to change.
Example:The advertising markets are unstable at the moment.
markets (n.)
Places or systems where goods or services are bought and sold.
Example:Unstable advertising markets affect revenue forecasts.