Culture secretary Nandy has said she is "minded to intervene" in Sky's proposed £1.6bn acquisition of ITV's entertainment arm, expressing concerns that the deal could have implications for free expression and the diversity of the UK news ecosystem.
The comment from Nandy indicates she is considering using her departmental powers to scrutinise the transaction on public interest grounds. Such an intervention could lead to a referral to the communications regulator for a formal assessment of the deal's effects on media plurality and the availability of diverse news and opinion.
The proposed takeover, which would bring a significant portion of ITV's entertainment operations under Sky's control, has reignited debate about consolidation in the UK media market. Government and regulators typically weigh commercial and consumer benefits against potential risks to editorial independence, access to a range of news sources, and the broader public interest.
Nandy's statement stops short of a final decision, but it signals that ministers are taking the potential impact on free expression and the variety of voices in Britain's media seriously. The next steps are likely to include gathering evidence from stakeholders and industry regulators before any formal referral or remedial action is announced.