UK culture secretary orders public-interest review of Sky's planned ITV acquisition

The regulators have until Jan. 27 to report back, after which Nandy will decide whether to refer the deal for a more detailed investigation, Variety reported. The notice covers media plurality and the availability of a wide range of high-quality broadcasting, according to the government. Nandy did not issue a separate notice on foreign state influence.

Comcast-owned Sky agreed earlier this year to buy ITV's network and its ITVX streaming service for $2.1 billion, leaving out the production arm ITV Studios, Variety reported. A Sky spokesperson said the company looked forward to "engaging constructively in the review" and believes the deal is in the public interest.

Why it matters: Sky and ITV together hold about 70% of U.K. TV advertising, according to Variety, and the review decides whether the deal faces a fuller investigation.